Reviewed by Eileen P. Williamson, RN, MSN

To move with style and ease through the many and varied business and social settings of nursing’s new-millennium careers requires nurses to be familiar with the “how-to’s” and “must-not’s” of etiquette, the third “e” after education and experience. This book is the etiquette primer on everything from the best look for business cards and interviews, to the location of the bread plate on the table and the comma in the sentence. In 10 chapters and just under 200 pages, readers can get answers, advice and acronyms to help them navigate in a variety of settings.

Focusing strongly on the critical importance of good communication and how it impacts what is said, done, and written in one’s career, the author guides readers on everything from making business introductions and writing thank-you notes to choosing the right fork and wearing the right suit; from avoiding juggling of drinks and hors d’oeuvres and never chewing gum to leaving a proper voice message and making a good first impression. By including information on cultural nuances and social taboos, the book provides every career-minded nurse who wants to “do it right” the necessary business tools to travel the globe with social grace.

The format consists of frequently asked questions followed by tips on what to say and do with style and finesse. In addition to learning how to respond to a wide variety of situations, the reader also learns what is a real faux pas or totally unacceptable behavior. To make the book conducive to easy learning, the author provides “Take Away Tips” and “Good Ideas.” It’s ideal as a quick and ready take-along.

The book is such a wealth of information that I can’t think of any nurse who would not find it valuable to read—either a bit at a time or all at once—and certainly to hold onto as a reference guide. It will provide students with a glimpse into what will likely be expected of them in their professional careers, and will serve as an excellent teaching tool for educators.

Eileen P. Williamson, RN, MSN, is New York/New Jersey associate vice president, professional services, at Gannett Healthcare Group, publishers of Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek magazines. She resides in Mattituck, New York, USA.

For more information on The Nurse's Etiquette Advantage, go to Nursing Knowledge International.