By Mariann M. Harding PhD RN CNE FAADN, Julie S. Snyder MSN RN-BC

Are you looking to enhance your clinical nursing judgment skills? Look no further than Harding & Snyder’s Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing, 8th Edition. This highly regarded case study resource has been praised for its clinically relevant and thought-provoking cases, and it was even awarded second place in the 2019 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Medical-Surgical category. With approximately 150 true-to-life case studies covering all four clinical practice areas – medical-surgical, pediatric, OB/maternity, and psychiatric-mental health nursing – this book is an essential tool for any nursing student or practicing nurse.

One of the standout features of Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing is its concept-based, case study approach. The book is organized to facilitate a conceptual approach to teaching and learning, mirroring the growing popularity of concept-based curricula in nursing education. Each case covers a common patient problem drawn from actual clinical experiences and is written by nurses who are clinical experts. This ensures that the cases are not only realistic, but also highly relevant to the challenges nurses face in their daily practice.

Throughout the book, there is a strong focus on interprofessional collaboration competencies. This reflects the importance of teamwork in healthcare and prepares nurses to work effectively with other healthcare professionals. The cases also integrate content on pharmacology, nutrition, and diagnostic/laboratory tests, encouraging readers to think critically about all aspects of patient care.

The 8th edition of Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing has been updated throughout to reflect the most current standards of clinical practice. This includes readiness for practice in the COVID-19 era, ensuring that nurses are well-prepared to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. In addition, concepts and terminology related to the Next Generation NCLEX® Exam (NGN) are introduced in the preface and integrated throughout the book. This helps readers to prepare for the new exam and ensures that they are familiar with the latest industry guidelines.

Reading through the case studies, you will find approximately 150 cases that draw from actual clinical experiences in medical-surgical, pediatric, OB/maternity, and psychiatric-mental health clinical areas. These cases are designed to help you learn to think clinically, prioritize, and deliver proactive nursing care. The progressive case complexity builds on previous learning, gradually developing your clinical judgment skills.

One of the strengths of the book is its strong emphasis on safety. The authors have included a safety icon to communicate caution or highlight safety considerations, ensuring that readers are aware of potential risks and take appropriate measures to prevent harm. The book also includes questions that resemble new NCLEX-RN® item types, helping readers to familiarize themselves with the format and style of the exam.

In addition to the comprehensive case studies and updated content, Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing now includes more illustrations and expanded use of image-related question types. These visuals reinforce the material and promote clinical utility, while also ensuring that the book represents a diverse range of patients in a sensitive and clinically relevant way.

Not only is Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing a valuable resource for nursing students and practicing nurses, but it is also a great tool for preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX® Exam (NGN). All questions for the NGN are highlighted with a special icon for quick reference, making it easy to focus on the areas that are directly relevant to the exam.

Ordering this book is a no-brainer for any nursing student or practicing nurse looking to enhance their clinical judgment skills. With its concept-based, case study approach and focus on interprofessional collaboration, it provides a comprehensive and practical resource for developing the skills needed to excel in the nursing profession. Whether you’re studying for an exam or looking to enhance your clinical practice, Clinical Reasoning Cases in Nursing is an essential addition to your library.