Rural health nursing : stories of creativity, commitment, and connectedness /

This collection of articles, many of them reports of research studies, presents a kaleidoscopic perspective of rural health and rural health care. The aim of the authors is to provide readers with a multidimensional picture of how creativity, commitment, and connectedness can influence the quantity and quality of care given to people living in small towns or in isolated areas. Close, strong family bonds and neighbor networks are foundations on which to structure health care planning and delivery. Practitioners, frequently practicing alone, must assume responsibilities as physician or nurse, teacher, counselor, helper, and friend, as family members grow older, become more disabled, and die. The death of one member often has consequences for the entire community. The book's 17 chapters are contained under four major themes: families and caring; consumers and providers; management; and research, governance, education, and theory. The chapters cover basic and complex concepts and issues. A subject index would add to the considerable value of the book. Highly recommended for practitioners, educators, students, researchers, health professionals, and others interested involved in rural health.-A. R. Davis, U.S. Public Health Service