The managed care evolution has left nurses facing reform, restructurin g, competition, and even retraining. Many nurses have seen lower moral e, resistance to change, and frustration in their professions. The nur sing profession is at a crossroads. This nuts-and-bolts guide to manag ed care, written for the front-line health care professional by a nurs e author, will help nurses understand the evolution of managed care, e xamine the emotional adjustments being demanded, and redefine the role and functions being created. Find out how to survive and thrive as a nurse in managed care. Create transition strategies you can live with. Define new expectations. Develop your own career survival techniques. An Essential Readings in Nursing Managed Care book containing 40-45 a rticles is available to complement this publication.