This comprehensive course addresses the current nursing trends and issues that define the practice of nursing. A broad variety of contemporary issues are explored, including legal and ethical values, research and evidence-based practice, work-related aspects of nursing such as unions and collective bargaining, as well as economic and political issues affecting health care today. The role of the nurse as provider of care, manager of care, and member within the discipline of nursing is further defined and studied. The student will develop a sense of accountability, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to formulate a basic legal-ethical framework for responsible decision-making in nursing practice.