The 8th edition of Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing was awarded second place in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing category at the 2018 AJN Book of the Year Awards. The book provides a practical, clinical perspective on the subject of psychiatric-mental health nursing in a user-friendly design that simplifies the often-intimidating topic. The readability of this edition has been improved through collaboration with an expert in the field. Chapters follow a nursing process framework, progressing from theory to application, with real-world examples to prepare students for clinical practice. New to this edition are full-page illustrated explanations of the neurobiology of disorders and associated medications, criteria from the DSM-5 for major disorders, revised Evidence-Based Practice boxes, and a fully rewritten chapter on Dying, Death, and Grieving to provide students with essential information about difficult topics.

The writing style of the book serves as a mentor to reinforce important information and facilitate the application of textbook content to the clinical setting. The book also covers key topics and emerging nursing trends, keeping readers current with best practices in the field. Considering Culture boxes discuss the importance of person-centered care in providing competent care to diverse populations in various clinical situations. Vignettes with vivid mini-stories provide personal, descriptive characterizations of patients with specific psychiatric disorders to prepare readers for real-world practice. Health Policy Boxes introduce the role readers can play in advocating for patients and the profession.