(NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 25, 2008) – Robert Atkins, a Rutgers College of Nursing faculty member, has authored a book to help nursing students make the most of their learning opportunities in nursing school.
"Getting the Most from Nursing School: A Guide to Becoming a Nurse," presents recommendations from nursing faculty and nurses who have decades of experience that will help students become more successful in nursing school.
"I wrote this book because nursing school is extremely challenging for even the most resourceful students," said Atkins, assistant professor, at the College of Nursing at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. "The book is aimed at helping students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need to become clinically competent and caring nurses."
Atkins, a Cherry Hill, N.J. resident, said he conducted interviews with nursing faculty members and experienced nurses who work with nursing students and they provided insights and recommendations on handling the pressures of clinical rotations and the demands of a difficult nursing curriculum.
The 256-page paperback, published by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, begins with helping potential nurses think about nursing and nursing school. Later chapters provide evidence-based recommendations for how students should prepare for and respond to the challenges of nursing classes and clinicals. These chapters include recommendations on writing papers, taking notes, and preparing care plans.
"I believe that helping students who have the potential to become great nurses will not only improve the profession but will also improve the nation's healthcare system," he said. "I hope to provide these talented individuals the tools to get the most out of nursing school and to become excellent care providers, policy makers, educators and researchers."
From its headquarters in Newark, Rutgers College of Nursing offers a broad range of academic programs on all three Rutgers campuses. The college offers a master's program with unique practitioner specialties, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, and was the first to offer a Ph.D. nursing degree in New Jersey.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Robert Atkins, a Rutgers College of Nursing faculty member, is a Cherry Hill, N.J. resident.