Open access publications in nursing

An Introduction to Anti-Racism for the Nursing Professional: A Focus on Anti-Black Racism

Co-created by Prof Nadia Prendergast and nursing students

This first-of-its-kind publication makes a unique contribution to nursing education. It focuses on anti-Black racism in the Canadian context of nursing education. Over four chapters, it gives readers the opportunity to pause, reflect, open up conversation, and ultimately dismantle racism in nursing education and practice.  

The content sheds light on racism, Blackness and the historical invisibility of Black nurses. It engages the reader through a diverse collection of activities, videos and scenarios. But it does even more, providing guidance on how to be anti-racist in nursing practice and communication. A valuable read for fostering equity and social justice, and upholding the legacy of racialized nurses in history who, despite numerous barriers, forged ahead to serve others with care and compassion. 

An Introduction to Health Assessment for the Nursing Professional (new and upcoming chapters)

Co-edited by Prof Jennifer Lapum, and co-authored by numerous professors in collaboration with lecturers and students

Years in the making, this unique health assessment resource is almost complete! Informed by the Canadian context, it highlights an inclusive approach to health assessment that incorporates culturally-responsive techniques related to race/ethnicity, gender/sex/sexual orientation, body sizes/types, and ability/disability. The book will facilitate your clinical decision making and your ability to recognize and act on cues and signs of clinical deterioration. It’s packed with videos, interactive activities, case studies, and clinical tips to bring learning to life.  

Now available: Chapter 15: Neurological system assessment

This chapter introduces the neurological system — with chapters about all twelve cranial nerves. You’ll learn to spot common symptoms of neurological dysfunction, and use practical tools to conduct subjective and objective assessments.  

Coming in December:

• Chapter 16: Vestibulocochlear System Assessment — The Ears
• Chapter 17: Ophthalmic System Assessment — The Eyes

Linking Hearts, Building Resilience Training Manual

Co-authored by Prof Josephine Pui-Hing Wong

Mental health is now recognized as a vital aspect of wellbeing — and yet, it’s still sometimes associated with negative stigmas. As Prof Wong emphasizes, there’s still more work to be done there — both in society and within ourselves. Her lab’s intervention model, ACE-LYNX intervention — or Acceptance and Commitment to Empowerment - Linking Youth and 'Xin' (i.e. hearts) — has been successfully used in China to reduce stigmatization and promote mental health in university students. And the full potential of the model transcends the limits of language and culture.  

Now, after a decade of research, Prof Wong and her co-authors are sharing their insights, lessons learned, and practical tools that facilitators can use to help people of all ages, in all corners of the world. It equips facilitators to lead group sessions using the ACE-LYNX model — including detailed instructions, debriefing guidelines, and tips on engaging participants in group exercises. The guidebook helps facilitators embody the ACE model and reach out from the heart to dynamically engage participants. Printed with text in both English and Chinese simultaneously.

CHAMPs-In-Action Training Manual: Advancing Community Health with Evidence-Based HIV Stigma Reduction Interventions

Co-authored by Prof Josephine Wong

Over a decade ago, Prof Josephine Wong and her collaborators developed original interventions for the Community Champions HIV/AIDS Advocates Mobilization Project (CHAMP). They had three objectives: (1) reduce HIV and related stigma, (2) promote individual and collective resilience, (3) mobilize community action for social justice and equity. The interventions have since been adapted and used in frontline programming and a large-scale national intervention study to reduce mental illness stigma.  

Now, after years of refinements based on research evidence, insights and participant feedback, the team has produced a CHAMPs-In-Action Training Manual. This resource helps facilitators to deliver the CHAMP intervention in real-world community settings. Each section includes adaptable templates of a training agenda, and multiple activities. Corresponding handouts and worksheets have also been conveniently collated into a separate Participant Workbook. Facilitators will also benefit from tips on effective facilitation and debriefing. A handy resource for graduates of the CHAMPs Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Program!