This book helps new nursing students, and those thinking of entering the profession, understand what it is to be a nurse in today's rapidly changing healthcare environments. The new edition includes a new first chapter on becoming a nursing student, with insights from students themselves. The book also explains the process of nursing and systems of care delivery which underpin actual practice. A chapter on international working is included for those working or studying abroad. Finally, it explores what nursing is really like when you qualify through interviews with registered nurses in each of the main nursing fields of practice.