Nurse Executive Resource Manual - Book Review

AORN Journal, Dec, 2002 by Gwendolyn Watkins

By Julian S. A. Cicatiello 2001, 8 sections $249 loose-leaf binder

This manual was designed to be a quick reference for understanding and responding to the demands of an ever-changing health care environment. Decreases in reimbursement to health care institutions and the nursing shortage have resulted in workforce reductions. In addition, as health care institutions reorganize, more responsibilities are being delegated to fewer senior executives. The manual's goal is to provide sample documents that are current and can be shared with nurse executives, managers, and educators to help them implement successful programs and policies.

The manual is divided into eight sections--administration, resource management, ambulatory services, patient care, home care, long-term care, centers of excellence, and new waves. Information technology has and will continue to affect the health care environment. The chapter on new waves provides nurse executives with information technology resources. Each section includes samples of policies and procedures, job descriptions, staffing strategies, sample wellness programs, and clinical models. The sample documents were provided by more than 40 health care professionals who are academically prepared and clinically experienced and who work in leading roles in a variety of health care institutions nationwide.

Included in the manual are eight written examinations, one for each section of the manual, that can be completed and submitted for contact hours. Each examination provides two to three contact hours. Successful completion of all eight will provide the reader with 18 contact hours.

This resource manual uses a loose-leaf format that allows for the easy addition of updates. The materials will be expanded, updated, and refined through annual supplements that address new regulations and issues regarding patient care, administration, and resource management. A CD-ROM is included that contains the manual's printed contents as well as hundreds of additional sample forms, policies, and procedures.

I recommend this resource manual. It is clearly written, easy to understand, and designed for ease of use. It can be a useful resource for both experienced managers and for those who recently have been promoted to a management or educational role.

This book is available from Aspen Publishers, Inc, 200 Orchard Dr, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; http://www.aspenpublishers.com.

GWENDOLYN WATKINS
RN, PHD, CNOR
MANAGER, NURSING EDUCATION AND QUALITY
WEST SUBURBAN HEALTH CARE
OAK PARK, ILL