Book excerpt: Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice, Second Edition was developed as an essential resource for advance practice students in master’s and doctoral programs. This text is appropriate for students needing an introductory understanding of philosophy and how a theory is constructed as well as students and nurses who understand theory at an advanced level. The Second Edition discusses the AACN DNP essentials which is critical for DNP students as well as PhD students who need a better understanding of the DNP-educated nurse’s role. Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice, Second Edition covers a wide variety of theories in addition to nursing theories. Coverage of non-nursing related theory is beneficial to nurses because of the growing national emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary patient care. The text includes diagrams, tables, and discussion questions to help students understand and reinforce core content.