Providing forward-thinking approaches and ideas for nurses of all categories, this reference has been written primarily in response to increasing concerns regarding the perceived lack of ability in both students and newly qualified nurses to perform clinical skills. By outlining the elements of essential nursing procedure in a readily accessible format, including rationale for recommended actions and promoting evidence-based practice, this text encourages the reader to keep a record of achievement in relation to clinical skill competence. The selection of skills included is based on extensive consultation with experienced clinicians, students, clients and teachers of nursing. Each procedure has been carefully researched to provide a contemporary foundation for practice. The text also contains a rapid reference section of common terminology, conversion tables, laboratory results and other useful information.