This major new textbook provides a unique one-stop resource that introduces nursing students to the disciplines that underpin nursing practice. The broad range of subjects covered includes Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Health, Philosophy, Economics, Politics and Science. Written by nursing lecturers with nursing students in mind, this book enables nurses to grasp the principles behind these disciplines and apply the concepts to everyday health care practices. Each chapter offers: The theoretical background of the major tenets of each discipline; A comprehensive discussion of how they relate to practice; Cross-references to other relevant chapter sections; Suggestions for further reading; A glossary of key terms. Practical advice is also available in a chapter dedicated to methods of research, planning and construction of written work. Moreover, the textbook is designed to encourage creative and lateral thinking beyond its use in planning and writing assignments. Thinking Nursing is essential reading for nursing students on Common Foundation Programmes (both at diploma and degree level) and qualified nurses undertaking additional specialist training including masters degrees, as well as those involved in planning, designing and the implementation of educational courses for nurses.