Includes bibliographical references and index.

The adult learner : hints to succeed -- Time management : making time work for you -- Learning methods and skills : how do you learn? -- Using your methods and skills : studying and testing -- Learning during school : using available resources -- Personal health promotion : a role model for patients -- How practical/vocational nursing evolved : 1836 to present -- Critical thinking : a lifelong journey -- Nursing process : your role -- Nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice -- Ethics applied to nursing : personal vs. professional ethics -- Nursing and the law : what are the rules? -- Straightforward communication : instructors, coworkers, and patients -- Assertiveness : your responsibility -- The health care team : where the practical/vocational nurse fits in -- Cultural uniqueness, sensitivity, and competence -- Spiritual needs, spiritual caring, and religious differences -- Health care settings : potential job sites -- Health care system : financing, issues, and trends -- Leadership skills -- LPN/LVN charge nurse skills : management, including assignment and delegation -- Finding a job : what works and what doesn't -- The NCLEX-PN(r) examination -- Future career decisions : choosing what is right for you.