Built for today’s FNP/primary care advanced practice provider—this AACN essentials-aligned text bridges clinical reasoning, the 3 Ps, and evidence-based primary care to transition the learner seamlessly from student to professional practice.
Includes CourseConnect: Know It. Use It. Test It. – The Smarter Way to Learn and Succeed!
A case-driven resource that helps graduate nursing students apply what they learn to real-world primary care encounters. Built around the 3 Ps and structured to mirror clinical reasoning, this text offers visual aids, treatment strategies, and decision-making tools. With pretests, posttests, quick-reference summaries, and clinical insight from experienced educators, it empowers students to deliver safe, effective care across the lifespan. Know, use and test your understanding of course content with CourseConnect—an interactive learning platform included with your print purchase.
Key Features:
Lauren C. Mays, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, FNAP is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing, where she served as the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Coordinator from 2019-2024. Under her leadership, the UAB FNP track ranked 3rd in the nation for MSN and 6th for DNP by the US News and World Report. She is a board certified FNP since 2010 with clinical experience in family medicine, women’s health, labor and delivery, and pediatrics. Dr. Mays maintains a clinical practice as Clinic Director at UAB at the WellHouse where she provides primary care to victims of sex trafficking. She is an expert in trauma-informed care and social determinants of health and incorporates both throughout her teaching and practice. As a founding member of the National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners, she is an accomplished author, peer-reviewer, and public speaker at the national and international levels. Dr. Mays was recognized as a PADMA award recipient for her clinical accomplishments and named the Nancy Smith Memorial Excellence in Teaching award recipient for her academic excellence. Her highest honor was being appointed to the Healthy People Curriculum Taskforce where she served as an expert in population health developing interprofessional curriculum for health care professionals across the nation.
Laura Steadman, Ed.D., CRNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, where she serves as Faculty in the undergraduate/prelicensure program. With more than 26 years of experience in nursing education, including 13 years at UAB, she has contributed extensively to curriculum development and academic leadership. Dr. Steadman earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama, her Master of more than 23 years of experience in nursing education, including 13 years at UAB she has contributed extensively Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult Health Nursing from Troy State University, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University at Montgomery. She is also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, bringing advanced clinical expertise to her teaching and mentorship. Her professional focus includes expanding pathways for nursing education and fostering the preparation of future nurse leaders and educators.
Melanie Gibbons Hallman, DNP, CRNP, CNS, FAEN, FAANP, FAAN, is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She co-coordinates the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Subspecialty, a pioneering program for emergency nurse practitioners in Alabama. With over four decades of experience in emergency medical services and hospital emergency care—and over 30 years practicing as an emergency nurse practitioner—Dr. Hallman combines clinical expertise with academic leadership. Dr. Hallman is President of the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners and has held leadership roles in national and state nursing organizations, including service with the Emergency Nurses Association and on advisory committees for emergency medical services and disaster response. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Nursing and of the American Academy of Nursing.
Patricia M. Speck, DNSc, CRNP, FNP-BC, AFN-C, IVSE-C, DF-IAFN, FAAFS, DF-AFN, FAANP, FAAN is Professor Emeritus and former Coordinator of Advanced Forensic Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She earned her BSN, MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing. As a board-certified family nurse practitioner and advanced forensic nurse, Dr. Speck is recognized internationally for her research and expertise promoting primary care of individuals impacted by violence and trauma. Her research focuses on applying forensic nursing science to support populations impacted by violence. She works on developing policies that improve care and practices for individuals who have experienced trafficking, specifically by implementing trauma-informed interventions. These interventions address maladaptive behavioral responses that often occur after traumatic experiences, aiming to promote recovery and better outcomes for affected individuals. Over her career she served as a consultant subject matter expert to organizations, governments, and consulted with NGOs worldwide. Today, Dr. Speck is recognized for her reserach to establish the scientific foundation of forensic nursing practice by aligning with AACN Essentials and FNCB Core Competencies for Forensic Nurses, sharing the lead in global dissemination of certification and accreditation efforts, earning over 25 professional awards including lifetime impact honors, and holding fellowships in major nursing and forensic science associations.
Section I: Introduction to Practice: An Introduction to the Advanced Practice Nursing Role
Chapter 1. The Art and Science of Nursing & History of the Nurse Practitioner Role
Chapter 2. Nurse Practitioner Practice Settings and Disaster Preparedness
Chapter 3. Transition to Nurse Practitioner Practice
Chapter 4. Nursing Theory for Advanced Practice Nursing
Chapter 5. Ethics in Nursing
Chapter 6. Cultural Diversity
Chapter 7. Quality and Safety
Chapter 8. Health Promotion and Prevention
Chapter 9. Genetic Considerations in Primary Care
Chapter 10. Wellness and Primary Care
Chapter 11. Health Policy
Chapter 12. Violence in Our Society
Chapter 13. Public Health Impact
Chapter 14. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
Chapter 15. Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter 16. Population Health
Section II: Evidence-Based Practice: A Systematic Approach to Assessment, Diagnosis, Management and Evaluation of Disorders by Body System
Chapter 17. Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat Conditions
Chapter 18. Endocrine Conditions
Chapter 19. Neurological Conditions
Chapter 20. Psychiatric/Mental Health in Primary Care
Chapter 21. Cardiovascular Conditions
Chapter 22. Respiratory Conditions
Chapter 23. Gastrointestinal Conditions
Chapter 24. Genitourinary Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chapter 25. Care for Women (Preconception, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Postpartum)
Chapter 26. Men’s Health
Chapter 27. Hematological Conditions
Chapter 28. Rheumatology and Immunology
Chapter 29. Musculoskeletal Conditions
Chapter 30. Integumentary Conditions
Chapter 31. Infectious Diseases
Section III. Transition to Practice: A Transition from Nurse to Nurse Practitioner
Chapter 32. Interprofessional Practice
Chapter 33. Systems-Based Practice
Chapter 34. Scholarship of Practice
Chapter 35. Professionalism and Leadership Development
