This DNP and PhD doctoral-level nursing text delivers analyses of 30 core concepts that define nursing theory, research, education, and professional practice. Grounded in the concept analysis framework developed by Walker and Avant, the book clearly demonstrates how concepts are used to build theory, support research, and improve education and professional practice. Designed to facilitate practical applications of concept analysis methodology, all chapters provide an explicit description of each concept and a consistent framework for its analysis. Additionally, a diagrammatic representation of characteristics across concepts allows readers to make comparisons and ultimately to build on the text's knowledge base.