Nurses and Politics

Chris Hart writes with wit, warmth and a panoramic approach to the political history of nurses and nursing' - Tony Gillam, Mental Health Practice '[Nurses and Politics] offers a unique and comprehensive analysis of the issues facing contemporary nursing based on an in-depth consideration of the historical factors that have shaped current trends.' - Susan Holmes, The Journal of The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health 'Excellent...Twenty years after Jane Salvage, former editor of HSJ sister magazine Nursing Times, produced her seminal work, The Politics of Nursing, Hart has produced a worthy successor...Essential reading.' - Jean Faugier, Health Service Journal 'Chris Hart writes with wit, warmth and a panoramic approach' - Tony Gillam, Mental Health Practice 'Well written, informed and fascinating' - Cheryl Scott, Nursing Standard 'A valuable resource for any health care practitioner' - Tom Tait, Learning Disability Practice 'This is an absorbing and stimulating book that can empower nurses, academics and policy makers to question their usual assumptions regarding the relationship between nurses and politics and its effect on nursing practice and policy' - Charalambos Agathangelou, Nursing Ethics 'This is a fascinating historical account of how nursing is where it is today. It also highlights the political influences that impact on clinical practice & nurse education. It is a gem of a book!' - Carol Chapelhow, School of Nursing Studies, University of Northumbria 'Authoritative author, contemporary and insightful' - Dora Howes, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Community Health, Glasgow Caledonian University

The most controversial book on nursing written in over a decade, Nurses and Politics explains the key contemporary issues facing both student and qualified nurses.The most controversial book on nursing written in over a decade, Nurses and Politics explains the key contemporary issues facing both student and qualified nurses. Written in an entertaining and engaging style, it provides a detailed and devastating analysis of two flagship government policies: Agenda for Change (the new pay system for nurses and other health workers) and Foundation Hospitals. Yet it looks beyond passing trends and events to get under the skin of what it is that makes nurses and nursing tick, analysing nursing's mythology and history, as well as its internal organisation and place within the NHS. The book is the first to make a clear link between violence to nurses, bullying, stress and whistleblowing, while addressing other issues such as nurse education, clinical practice, policy and service development within the NHS and funding. Nurses and Politics also explores how nurses are trapped within insidious power structures that not only damage their interests but rob them of the authority and confidence to resolve the problems they face in their daily work. Importantly, it ends with a chapter of potential solutions and hope for nurses and the work they love. Extensively researched and referenced, Nurses and Politics is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of nursing.