Essentials of Computers for Nurses

Reviewer: Mary A. Curran, RN, PhD(University of North Carolina-Charlotte)
Description: The second edition of this book is a comprehensive revision of the 1986 release. While the book's division into four logical sections (historical perspectives, the computer, computer systems, and nursing applications) remains the same, chapters and content have been revised to reflect a more current perspective of computer technology in nursing.
Purpose: The book's stated purpose is to provide a "comprehensive text on computer technology for nurses and other health professionals." It meets this goal very effectively. It can serve as a much needed text for undergraduate students, or a resource for practicing health professionals who are unfamiliar with the technology and its current applications.
Audience: While written for the neophyte, the scope of the text provides information and a resources that the informatics practitioner would also find beneficial. Content is presented in a pragmatic manner that does not include much theoretical discussion. The presentation seems most appropriate for a book with this scope and intended audience. Virginia F. Saba and Kathleen A. McCormick (recognized experts in the field), have written a book that is appropriate for the novice.
Features: The only item in the appendix is the Home Health Care classification; although tables, lists, diagrams and other resources have been placed within appropriate chapters. These additions effectively supplement the text. Cited references are comprehensive and range from the beginnings of the technology through 1995.
Assessment: The book is a welcome addition to nursing informatics and well adapted for use in educating nursing students. It is recommended for anyone interested in the field.

Mary A. Curran

The second edition of this book is a comprehensive revision of the 1986 release. While the book's division into four logical sections (historical perspectives, the computer, computer systems, and nursing applications) remains the same, chapters and content have been revised to reflect a more current perspective of computer technology in nursing. The book's stated purpose is to provide a ^^comprehensive text on computer technology for nurses and other health professionals.^^ It meets this goal very effectively. It can serve as a much needed text for undergraduate students, or a resource for practicing health professionals who are unfamiliar with the technology and its current applications. While written for the neophyte, the scope of the text provides information and a resources that the informatics practitioner would also find beneficial. Content is presented in a pragmatic manner that does not include much theoretical discussion. The presentation seems most appropriate for a book with this scope and intended audience. Virginia F. Saba and Kathleen A. McCormick (recognized experts in the field), have written a book that is appropriate for the novice. The only item in the appendix is the Home Health Care classification; although tables, lists, diagrams and other resources have been placed within appropriate chapters. These additions effectively supplement the text. Cited references are comprehensive and range from the beginnings of the technology through 1995. The book is a welcome addition to nursing informatics and well adapted for use in educating nursing students. It is recommended for anyone interested in the field.

4 Stars! from Doody