Ch. 1. Understanding the health care environment -- Ch. 2. Health care finance and control -- Ch. 3. The political process and the nursing profession -- Ch. 4. Exploring nursing's origins -- Ch. 5. The development of nursing as a profession -- Ch. 6. Educational preparation for nursing -- Ch. 7. Credentials for health care providers -- Ch. 8. Legal responsibilities for practice -- Ch. 9. Ethical concerns in nursing practice -- Ch. 10. Bioethical issues in health care -- Ch. 11. Beginning your career as a nurse -- Ch. 12. Preparing for workplace participation -- Ch. 13. Initiating the leadership/management role -- Ch. 14. Working with others for patient care.