Authors

  1. Christman, Luther P. PhD, RN, FAAN

Article Content

Guide to Nursing Management and Leadership, sixth edition, by Ann Marriner Tooney. St. Louis, MO, Mosby, 2000. 523 pages, softcover, $39.00.

 

This revised and expanded text is divided into main areas. The leadership section contains seven chapters and the management section has eight chapters. In one chapter various scientific proposals for what motivates people are discussed in a fashion that enables readers to understand the wide range of selective perceptions of what motivates people and to stimulate the desired responses. In another chapter the major theories of leadership are discussed. The combination of these two chapters opens the reader to a more imaginative approach to the process of working more effectively, with less personal strain, in providing patient care. Alternative strategies are a means of lowering the level of anathema with both large and small problems. The sources of conflict become less bothersome as insight into skilled management increases.

 

A major goal in all health care settings is the continuous improvement of management. The chapters devoted to management provide broad insight into this desirable goal, even though this important issue is scrutinized in one chapter. Financial management, organizational concepts, organizational cultures, personal development, staffing and evaluation of personnel are all clearly portrayed in an easily understandable form that enables implementation.

 

Readers are aware that new and more accurate knowledge of human behavior and organizational structure is emanating at a growing rate. When combined with the growth of physical sciences this poses the obligation of constantly being abreast of the total impact on patients. All members of the health team need to be conscious of an ethical commitment to patients that demands a continuous growth in the knowledge of providers. This commitment acts as a catalyst to steady learning.