“Concepts” Book

A brand-new concept focused text – Nursing Concepts: A Practical Approach

Edited by Dr. Linda Caputi

Concepts are the foundation of every nursing course—and this concept book serves as the central hub that ties them all together. No matter the specialty, students return to core concepts again and again, making this text essential across the entire curriculum.

Equip your students with the building blocks of nursing practice— concepts that transcend specific diagnoses and empower clinical judgment in any patient situation. With a strong focus on real-world application, they bridge the gap between theory and practice. Designed for both RN and LPN/LVN programs, this book helps students master the “why” behind the “what,” preparing them to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered nursing care.

  • Concept-based learning framework organizes 44 essential nursing concepts into five categories—Nursing Practice, Person-Centered, Physiological, Psychosocial, and Healthcare Concepts—that support conceptual thinking, clinical judgment, and contextual understanding.
  • The 3 Cs approach emphasizes the use of clinical judgment to apply knowledge of a concept to individual patient situations or context.
  • “Concepts in Action” exercises challenge students to apply their knowledge in patient care scenarios through activities that promote clinical judgment and decision-making.
  • A comprehensive suite of program and instructor resources enables seamless integration into your curriculum.

BONUS: All schools that adopt Nursing Concepts: A Practical Approach will receive Dr. Caputi’s handbook titled: The Caputi Approach for Teaching Concepts: A Handbook. Talk with your F. A. Davis representative!

Learn More about Nursing Concepts: A Practical Approach by Dr. Linda Caputi.

What reviewers of the textbook are saying!

Nursing Concepts: A Practical Approach by Linda Caputi captures the pulse of today’s dynamic healthcare environment. The chapter layouts are thoughtfully designed—comprehensive yet concise—making the content both accessible and practical for nursing students. Dr. Caputi integrates a variety of learning activities to meet diverse learner needs. The information included and online resources continually help readers apply what they’re learning to real-world practice. This is a strong benefit of the text—preparing them for both the NCLEX and safe, current practice at the bedside.”

Melanie Wynja, DNP, MSN, RN, CHSE
Professor of Nursing/Simulation Director

For a fresh approach to concept-based nursing, written in a comprehensive and easy to read format, I highly recommend Caputi’s concept-based textbook. All chapters present the material in a logical manner, and include NCLEX preparation, case studies which reinforce the material, and concepts in action activities which support clinical judgment. Caputi is truly an expert in the field of concept-based nursing education. Students gain invaluable knowledge to apply in the clinical setting.”

Beth Chiatti
Professor, Drexel University

Concept based nursing aligns with the way nurses think. This book explains concepts and gives a concise, thorough summary of nursing concepts, along with interactive case studies. It is a must-have for any concept-based program.”

Deb Bomgaars
Director of Nursing, Dordt University

Linda Caputi delivers an outstanding resource for a concept-based nursing curriculum. The concepts are thoughtfully organized using case studies and Concepts in Action, promoting clinical judgment through a student-centered, real-world approach. This book simplifies the concepts and is visually appealing.”

Melanie Hicks
Nursing Faculty, Northwest State Community College

At first, I found myself wanting more detailed information about the exemplars, such as asthma or pulmonary embolism. These are complex topics with a lot to cover. However, the more I considered it, the more I appreciated the intentional brevity. One of the challenges we’ve encountered with concept-based curriculum is the tendency to revert to traditional content-heavy lectures focused on individual conditions. The way this text presents exemplars, briefly and in connection to the overarching concept, helps maintain focus on the concept itself without letting the exemplars dominate. This approach better supports the goals of concept-based learning by encouraging integration rather than isolated content delivery. This text offers a well-balanced and thoughtfully designed approach to concept-based learning. The integration of interrelated concepts, clear NCLEX-aligned objectives, and interactive case studies promote critical thinking while keeping the focus on core concepts. The concise use of exemplars reinforces understanding without overwhelming the learner, supporting a more effective and focused teaching strategy. An excellent alternative…especially for programs looking to refine and elevate their concept-based curriculum.”

Joann Sands
Clinical Associate Professor, University at Buffalo School of Nursing

Contact Dr. Caputi for More Information