Resources, guides and information: NZNO's library is constantly updating its collection. Here is a selection of some of the most recent acquisitions.

Transforming nurses' stress and anger: steps toward healing. Thomas, S.P. (2004) 2nd ed. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. 318 pp.

Overworked nurses in understaffed health institutions are experiencing considerable stress--and anger--which can take its toll in fatigue, physical health problems, depression, and substance abuse. This book, written by the leading nurse expert on anger research, uses the stories of dozens of ordinary nurses and nurse leaders to describe the consequences of mismanaged anger. Specific strategies for channelling anger into personal and professional empowerment are described, along with ways to interact in a positive and assertive manner with patients, other nurses, doctors, and administrators to improve working conditions.

Where have all the nurses gone? The impact of the nursing shortage on American health care. Satterly, F. (2004) Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books. 225 pp.

This is an in-depth, behind-the-scenes account of a health care system under stress, and the declining quality of medical treatment in America, which should serve as a wake-up call to everyone concerned about quality care. It contains some alarming statistics: the average nurse is 45 and anticipating retirement, white only 12 percent of nurses are under 30. At the same time, nursing schools report decreasing enrolments and fewer graduates. The result is that the nurses who are on the front tines of health care are feeling overwhelmed, and leaving for opportunities outside hospital and clinical settings. Why aren't more women and men entering the nursing profession? What struggles do today's dedicated nurses face, both on the wards and in health care administration, that would drive them to leave nursing in record numbers? This disturbing account by a veteran nurse with extensive field experience, is a compelling call for action to counter the nursing shortage and ensure that "caring" regains its premium status in health care.

Workload measurement in determining staffing levels: a literature review. Wiskow, C. (2004) Geneva: International Council of Nurses, 94pp.

The measurement of nursing workload has been a challenge for administrators and clinicians for several decades. This review of the literature provides a comprehensive assessment of the international instruments used in workload measurement within nursing and across different public sectors.

Profiles and portfolios of evidence. Pearce, R. (2003). Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes. 124 pp.

This is the definitive introductory guide to why you need to document and compile evidence of your learning and practice. With chapters addressing issues such as 'Why do I need a porfolio?" and 'How to plan and produce your portfolio' the author has produced this highly focused and practical resource.

Advancing perioperative practice. Radford, M., County, B. & Oakley, M. (eds.) (2004) Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes. 234pp.

This textbook addresses the whole area of the perioperative environment, with an accessible mixture of advanced theory and practice. Maintaining an easy to read approach, it serves as an inspiration to those in training or new to the perioperative field, providing evidence of the wealth of practice opportunities available in today's perioperative environment. By daring to challenge some of the commonly accepted and traditional boundaries within the field, the authors are helping to redefine perioperative practice in the light of today's world of health care.

Introduction to research. Walsh, M. & Wigens, L. (2003) Cheltenham, UK : Nelson Thornes. 151 pp.

With a clear and systemic approach, this introductory text leads the reader through the whole research process. The authors begin with the basics, such as which models of research to use for different projects, and then progress to developing the more advanced topics, including how to critique and evaluate someone else's research.

Effective writing for health professionals: A practical guide to getting published. Johnstone, M.J. (2004) Crows Nest, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. 223 pp.

Health professionals are increasingly expected to conduct and publish their research, apply for grants, write newsletters, liaise with the media, present conference papers and contribute articles to professional journals. Writing well is an essential professional skill and writing to publish is an important aspect of professional development. But how do you get published? Where do you start? How do you know if your writing is good enough and what can you learn to make it better? This book is an invaluable insider's guide to publishing within the health professions.

Introduction to sociology for health carers. Walsh, M. (2004) Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes. 148 pp.

This text shows how sociology and sociological thinking can make a contribution to health care practitioners' understandings of the health and illness experience, their care practice and the organisation of the United Kingdom's health care system.

New books added to the NZNO library are listed online at www.nzno.org.nz. Look at the library pages, found under the professional heading. Books are available to NZNO members for a period of four weeks. Please contact the Librarian, Linda Stopforth, at [e-mail] or ph 04 9316 736.