Reviews NOVEMBER 2004, VOL 80, NO 5

R E V I E W S

Lasers; writing research; nursing management; organization design

and decision making BOOKS

Lasers: The Pe ri o pe rative

Challenge, third edition Kay A. Ball

2004, 475 pp $40 (member)/$50 (nonmember) softcover

Expanding a laser program can be terrifying for a small, rural hospital, but this book helped to dispel the fears of nurses in my hospital. The author guides readers through laser bio- physics, systems, and safety with easy- to-understand examples taken from nursing and "civilian" experiences. It is interesting and even fun to read.

Each type of laser system is dis- cussed in the beginning of the book. Carbon dioxide and neodymium:yttri- um aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser systems are covered extensively. The argon laser and the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser also are given adequate coverage. Less used laser sys- tems are reviewed briefly. All systems are covered in later chapters.

The author addresses laser safety throughout the book, but for easy refer- ence, it is highlighted at the beginning of the book in a section that also includes an expert resource list and sample policies and procedures. Safety equipment, including goggles, smoke evacuators, backstops, and specific fire extinguishers, are illustrated, accompa- nied by instructions for equipment care.

Clinical applications of laser systems follow the introduction. Each surgical specialty is addressed, beginning with a brief overview of anatomy and ending with the appropriate forms of laser therapy for the procedure. The author includes information on types of lasers used in the past and their results. A sec-

tion on traditional electrosurgery includes an excellent explanation of electrosurgery characteristics and prop- er use of and safety measures for elec- trosurgery units and lasers.

The final section, which covers risk management and hospital administra- tion, is of utmost importance to nurse managers. The author explains the steps necessary to implement a laser program, including forming a laser committee, orienting staff members, credentialing, and educating patients and the community. Sample PO cies and procedures, job descriptions, credentialing forms, and discharge instruc- tions are provided. Business aspects, including marketing, financing, and legal and liabilit issues are covered. This book is an excellent resource for any 0 using or planning to implemen laser program.

This book is available from AORN, 2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80231-5711.

KAREN FREEMAN RN, BSN, CNOR

STAFF NURSE CORTLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

CORTLAND, NY

Writing Research: Tra n s f o r mi n g Data

into Text Judith Clare and Helen Hamilton, eds

2003, 222 pp $29.95, paperback

There is increasing appreciation for the value of the interpretive and recon- structive processes qualitative re- searchers use to understand the com- plex world of research participants.

AORN JOURNAL- 959