Baywood Publishing Co.

Nursing and globalization in the Americas; a critical perspective.

Presenting case studies from several Latin American countries, Canada and the U.S., this collection of nine essays offers a Western hemispheric-wide examination of issues that affect nursing and health care. Breda (U. of Hartford, Connecticut) provides historical background to the globalized, neo-liberal context of the present- day profession. Contributing to understanding of the complex nature of nursing from social science and nursing perspectives, authors address country-specific and transnational themes including the effects of socioeconomic status, and public health and higher education policies on the profession and health. The volume includes a cross-country comparison of nursing titles and educational preparation. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

One breath apart; facing dissection.

This unusual book was compiled by Bertman (psychology, University of Massachusetts) from thoughts and sketches made by first year medical students upon facing their first cadaver. The intent is to prepare the students for the fact that they will be cutting into a person who used to be alive. In order to learn what they need to from the body, students cannot be frozen in horror or sympathy for the deceased. And yet, in order to become good doctors, they can't lose their humanity. It's a greasy tightrope. The comments and, even more, the drawings show the conflict the students face. This is an excellent starting point for students who need to discuss their feelings about dissection and also for those who may be considering donating their bodies but don't like the idea of being treated without respect. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Unhealthy work; causes, consequences, cures.

Workplace hazards are not limited to dangerous chemicals and equipment. They also can be inherent in the work environment in terms of pace and intensity, degree of control over the work process, employment security, and other intangible "work stressors." The book's three parts explore the workplace and its relationship to health. Those parts include: changes taking place in the workplace in the context of the global economy, scientific research on working conditions and their effects on employee health and their economic costs to employers and society, and case studies and approaches for improving health at work. Editors Schnall (medicine, U. of California, Irvine), Marnie Dobson (medical sociologist and researcher, U. of California, Irvine), Ellen Rosskam (widely published author and educator in international public health) and 14 co-authors contributed to the book. It will interest a wide variety of readers, from employees and union officials to management and policy makers. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)