It's no surprise that this new textbook weighs nearly as much as a whole person, since it covers the entire curriculum of a practical/vocational nursing program (fundamentals, growth and development, nutrition, microbiology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health/mental illness, maternal/child health, gerontological nursing, and personal/vocational adjustments). The concept of holistic care is a unifying theme, and features include anatomy and physiology reviews at the beginning of each medical-surgical system chapter; coverage of pharmacology basics and medication administration; and a chapter on critical thinking.