Sociology - Nurses and Their Pa- tients in a Modern Society, ed 8, Ber- nard and Thompson: St. Louis: C V Mosby Co, 1970, 314 pp, $8.50.

Dedicated to . . . "students entering the field of nursing, hoping that it will help them see both their patients and themselves in a meaningful perspective," this book ful- f i l ls i t s purpose in an ideal manner. While it is a true textbook with study questions, projects, and references following each chapter, this book will be of interest to the nurse of any age.

Emphasizing the sociological aspect of human relationships, the authors remind those engaged in professional nursing that it i s no longer acceptable to meet the phys- ical requirements of the patient while ig- noring his emotional and psychological needs.

The family as a major institution of so- ciety i s discussed. Providing a stable base for the development of i t s members, it trans-

mits the cultural heritage to oncoming gen- erations. Participation in family living en- courages the growth of human personality

and assures the physical and mental health of the individual.

The "aggiornamento" of the Church with i ts communal involvement in personal and

social life, as well as the welfare service of governmental institutions make it im-

perative that those in nursing "adapt them- selves to the needs of contemporary so- ciety." The hospital i s presented as a social institution where changing motivation in the care of the ill which, though it may be less personal, may be more efficient.

One of the most interesting chapters in this eighth edition is the one on "change."

Discussing the various changes taking place

in culture, in population, in the physical

structure of communities and in the major institutions of marriage, family, church and hospitals, the authors point out that the nurse remains the symbol of service and care. While her role expands and her re- sponsibilities increase, her ideals must re- main constant and stable.

Sister Vincent, RN Indianapolis, Indiana

Principles of Disaster Preparedness for Hospitals, Chicago: American Hos- pital Association, 1971, 48 ppI $1.50.

This 48 page handbook, first printed in 1956, has been updated and revised to in- clude "Checklist for a hospital civil disturb- ance preparedness program" and "Bomb threat procedure."

Divided into seven chapters and six ap- pendices, this booklet offers a basis for hospitals to develop their own disaster plan. Beginning with chapter one, "Steps to take to prepare the hospital for community dis- asters" to appendix one "Bomb threat pro- cedures" this manual has fulfilled its pur- pose.

In chapter two it states that there are two major types of action a hospital should take to a disaster; evacuation and expan- sion of treatment and areas for the care of casualties. Five types of disasters are listed and the type of response the hospital should take to these disasters.

1 found chapter seven most interesting since it describes the role and lists the du- ties of the volunteer in a disaster. For dur- ing a disaster, people respond and wish to

be of help to those less fortunate.

It is of interest to note that this booklet

Helen Wolk, RN Hackensack, New Jersey

i s printed entirely on recycled paper.

114 AORN Journal