Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It is Not

Neither in my own nursing education at the B. S. N. nor at the M. S. N. level, was it even suggested, much less required, that I read any of Florence Nightingale's original writings. Even as a nurse educator for over 30 years, I did not require my students to read her writings. After reading this book, I now believe it is a void in the education of a nurse not to read at least some of the writings of the founder of modern day nursing. Notes on Nursing would be an excellent choice. This book introduces and discusses, to some degree, many of the concepts nurses have been dealing with since before my entrance into the field in the 1969, and certainly ever since. Included in these pages are concepts such as holistic health, home health, alternative therapies, health prevention and maintenance, the role of women in nursing and in everyday life, nursing administration, leadership, communications skills, mind/body and body/mind relationships. Her theory on the use of light, fresh air, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet is also well explored. Some of the comments are unexpected and very insightful. - Anita S. Kessler, R. N., M. S. N., M. Ed. Florence Nightingale was the founder of the modern nursing profession. She single handedly revolutionized medical treatment with her writings on nursing. Anita S. Kessler has been an educator of nurses for more than thirty years