This trusted resource combines the practical guidance students need to understand each phase of the nursing process with an emphasis on critical thinking, focusing on both independent and collaborative responsibilities facing today's nurses. Using straightforward language, abundant examples, and real case scenarios, the book addresses the nurse's role as a caregiver and decision-maker in a range of settings—from clinic to the home, community, research, and acute care arenas. A new focus and design help readers build essential critical thinking and problem solving skills and apply them within the nursing process framework. A companion Website provides a variety of tools such as patient self-assessment tool, clinical decision map, NCLEX resources, and much more.