Global Health Nursing in the 21st Century

This text is designed specifically for nurses and nursing students who have an interest in global health as a specialty, regardless of experience or education level. It reflects both the unique contributions of the nursing profession, and of other disciplines, which is in keeping with the Editors perspective on how to bring about lasting change. The text views global health through a nursing lens, but maintains this awareness and appreciation of interprofessionalism throughout. The Editors and Contributors have firsthand experience of the complex dynamics in achieving global health, and bring a wealth of knowledge to this important field, and one that has grown as a course and specialty. The text depicts the worldwide expansion of nursing partnerships between resource-rich and resource-limited countries, and discusses the challenges, obstacles, and provides cases and guidance on how to achieve global health. It will appeal to all nurses, from the student nurse embarking on a global health experience, to the more experienced global health nurse who is offering professional nursing expertise around the world. The text responds to a recent WHO mandate seeking the input of nurses and midwives as part of an interprofessional team of key strategists for facilitating global health. The Lancet Report is also an important document used throughout the text, and an interview with Dr. Julio Frenk, author of that report, is included. Social, political, cultural, economic and environmental factors-including climate change--are integrated into determinants of global health. The text covers the foundations of global health, including the emerging concept of climate justice, the ethical context of global health, and the importance of interprofessional education. It addresses key issues of global health with a focus on poor and vulnerable individuals-particularly women and children-and those living in areas of conflict. In addition to describing notable accomplishments toward achieving global health, the book focuses on the need for increasing access to primary care, improving clinical practice through expanded education, and engaging interdisciplinary researchers in discovery of viable solutions. The book includes the perspectives of nurses and colleagues from other disciplines in both resource-rich and resource limited countries. The text also includes photographs and critical thinking questions. Reference lists and appendices provide resources for additional study, and PowerPoint slides and a test bank for instructors accompany the text. Key Features:: Case studies depict real-world experiences Presents first-hand knowledge of global health dynamics, challenges, and opportunities Provides a wealth of information from multiple perspectives Authored by contributors across a variety of clinical and academic roles who are experienced in global health nursing and global health Includes chapters written by nurses from both resource-limited and resource-rich countries