Book Review
Management in nursing
Marjorie Cuthbert, Joanne Hope and Christine Duffield
ISBN: 978-0729503808; 1992; 330 pages; WB Saunders/Bailliere Tindall, Sydney;
Julie Watkinson
Education Division, Flinders Medical Centre, SA
How refreshing to read a management text with 'local' content! The aim of this book is to bridge the gap in the literature for an Australian nursing management text.
The authors are university lecturers, their primary target readership is students and lecturers who require an understanding of nursing management within the Australian health care system. The format reflects the acknowledged biases of the authors as teachers of nursing management. It includes objectives and also case studies and assignments which can be used by lecturers. A disadvantage for individual use is that there are no answer guidelines provided.
There is a useful glossary of terms and comprehensive index; all chapters are referenced and some chapters include recommendations for further reading. The authors claim to have based the format on the Donabedian evaluation model of structure, process and outcome. The book is, however, organized into only two parts - Structures: foundations of management, and Processes: the functions of management. Evaluation systems and outcome measurement are incorporated in the 'processes' section. This approach may be confusing to readers familiar with the three phases of the Donabedian model.
The range of management topics addressed is similar to that in most nursing management texts. However, readers may need to refer to other sources on some subjects, for example conflict resolution which is addressed in a superficial, prescriptive way. The topic of policy formulation and implementation is not dealt with. Effective Management in Nursing by E. Sullivan and PJ Decker (Addison-Wesley, Menlo Park California, 1992), is one work which would complement this text. Some nurses may require further reading with a greater human relations perspective on management and leadership. The greatest strength of this book is its specificity to Australian nursing. Australian readers will be comfortable with its terminology and its relevance.
The work is a little out of date already, for example in identifying nursing shortages and high staff turnover as significant management problems. This suggests the opportunity for a revised edition. The book strongly promotes professionalism in nursing management, for example by including a chapter on the linkage of nursing research and nursing management. However, some readers may consider that this section needs updating, as the emphasis on 'scientific method' does not acknowledge the current high level of nursing interest and involvement in qualitative research.
The presentation and style are of high quality, and this work certainly fulfils its aim. It is highly recommended to all nurses with an interest in nursing management.
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