Book excerpt: The text is based lies on the premise that successful nursing rests to a large extent on the development and maintenance of good relationship with patients. The book introduces the nurse to the relevance of sociology and to the uses she can make of this subject in her daily work. This book addresses the educational and professional needs both of the student nurse entering the profession after graduation and the experienced nurse seeking to broaden her understanding of her patients and the society they live in. Other medical practitioners will also find this book of great value in their profession.