Title: Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing Students

Author: Deborah Ward

Publisher: Sage

Reviewer: Anne Duell, ward sister, Birmingham Community NHS Trust

This book part of the transforming nursing practice collection, which supports students learning the importance of adhering to the NMC standards and Essential Skills Cluster. It is a book that is exceptionally user friendly while providing clear evidence of applying evidence theory to nursing practice. It covers a wide range of infections, which students and nurses may encounter in both community and in-patient practice; while including more recent bugs such as Ebola. The readers are guided into how to obtain appropriate specimens and utilising guidance from sources such as public health.

One of the clear highlights of this books is it is both up to date and relevant. It is user friendly while encouraging its readers to undertake further research and learning to consolidate the information they have gleaned from this book. Another point is that the author goes back to basics to remind us of what constitutes an infection, and the differences between what a bacteria is as well as viruses, different fungi and parasites. Also a highlight is the importance stressed about whose responsibility it is to manage different elements of infection management and control.

One of the most evident strength of this book is its use of the NMC standards to support learning in relation to competencies that students are meant to have grasped and understood through their training to then support them as a registered nurse. The authors in a sentiment manner remind students that they must have a certain level of knowledge to deliver safe and effective care when encountering patients with various infections, under appropriate supervision in accordance with their level of progression through their nurse training (and know who to contact for additional support for both patient and their own knowledge and on going learning). A further positive in this series of books is the authors inclusion of activities and questions to aid learning and understanding and case studies.

The only weakness to this book is the limitations the reader puts on themselves to enhance their learning.

This book should certainly be read by all nursing students regardless of where their nursing placements are. The reason for this is clear as whenever we encounter patients we are potentially encountering infections which require further assessment to ensure appropriate treatment. I would even say that this book is good for mentors to read and nursing staff who may be returning to practice or want to refresh their basic knowledge around infection prevention and control.

microbiology

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Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control for Nursing ... - Nursing Times