This work is for advanced practice nurses and students in graduate nursing programs, both DNPs and master's-level programs. Contributors are nursing and interdisciplinary scholars. The first two parts of the book provide a foundation on the philosophy of science and the development of nursing knowledge and theory. The next section examines interdisciplinary philosophies and theories, with chapters on areas such as complexity science, critical theory, feminist ethics, health behavior theories, and economic theories. The section on nursing models and theories covers select conceptual models, middle-range theories, and grand theories focused on seven different areas: nursing goals, a systems approach, human existence and universal energy, competencies and skills, caring, culture, and theory of suffering. The last part of the book provides tools for integrating and disseminating knowledge in advanced nursing practice. Butts and Rich teach nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)