In an Australian first, James Cook University staff have produced a free fully comprehensive foundational etextbook that will save nursing students hundreds of dollars.
Claire Ovaska from JCU Library said the Foundations of Nursing Skills: A Comprehensive Guide for the Australian Context etextbook was produced with JCU Open eBooks.
She said the ebook replaces two first-year nursing student-paid prescribed textbooks with savings of more than $250 each for 1400 nursing students.
"It's an open access work. This means that students, educators and professionals can access this work anywhere in the world," said Ms Ovaska.
She said the 20-chapter book - the first comprehensive nursing skills open educational resource etextbook in Australasia - covers a wide range of nursing foundational skills.
"The authors are all from JCU's College of Healthcare Sciences: Leisa Sanderson, Tracey Gooding, Penelope Coogan, Sandra Dash, Kate Hurley, Jessica Best and Amy McCrystal.
"The book includes case studies, reflection questions, and learning activities to facilitate critical thinking and application of knowledge, and incorporates culturally sensitive approaches to nursing care," said Ms Ovaska.
The book was produced with generous support from Professor Pauline Calleja, Dean of the College of Healthcare Sciences and a JCU Library 2024 Textbook Affordability Grant.
