Introduction

Changes taking place in nursing education and practice have resulted from the demand for improved health care. These changes have been reflected in the publication of newtextbooks and the need for specialized periodicals in nursing. Pediatric nursing literature has been a limited resource for those involved in the nursing care of children. Comprehensiue Pediatric Nursing has been widely accepted as an answer to the need for a new pediatric nursing text However, length and time limitations have made it impossible for readers to be kept aware of current changes in the information within this text. In answer to this need for current information Issues in Comprehensiue Pediatric Nursing has been developed. These books, published bimonthly, will increase the depth of nursing knowledge in specific topics related to the care of children. To begin this endeavor the editors have chosen the subject of adolescence.

individual with unique characteristics and needs is sparse. Traditionally this age group has been viewed as an enigma presenting only problems to the adults in his or her environment. Actually this age group is an enigma. If all concerned had greater knowledge of this period of development with its questions, pressures, anxieties, and frustrations perhaps the adolescent would be better understood and more appropriate health care and educational programs could be initiated. Thus a healthier environment would be fostered and the needs of this segment of our population could be met. We are attempting to provide readers with knowledge and approaches useful in dealing with adolescents.

Nursing literature focusing on the adolescent as an unique

Gladys M. Scipien Martha Underwood Barnard

Issu

es C

ompr

Ped

iatr

Nur

s D

ownl

oade

d fr

om in

form

ahea

lthca

re.c

om b

y U

nive

rsity

of

Ade

laid

e on

11/

12/1

4Fo

r pe

rson

al u

se o

nly.