Preparing for a Career in Nursing

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up--These guidebooks are welcome additions to the myriad vocational resources available for teens. Both begin with history and general information about the field. Then, chapters cover specific occupations and what they entail, the necessary aptitudes and abilities, education and certification requirements, job settings, opportunities for advancement, related positions, salary ranges, and employment outlook. Accounts by people in the positions are woven throughout. Additional chapters tell teens how to get involved and prepare for a career in nursing or the environment, with contact information for relevant internship opportunities and camps. Wonderful descriptions of helpful Web sites are included, and the lists for further reading are outstanding. Advice on getting scholarships and extensive lists of sources for both fields are also given, along with lists of professional associations to contact for more information. Nursing would make a useful companion to Keville Frederickson's Opportunities in Nursing Careers while Environment would do the same for Odom Fanning's Opportunities in Environmental Careers (both VGM, 1995). Both Ferguson titles have a pleasant writing style and are current, but they lack any supporting photos or other illustrations. Still, they would be useful additions to any career collection.--Diane P. Tuccillo, Mesa Public Library, AZ