This timely book identifies the theory which underpins these Essential Skills Clusters to support the development of best nursing practice. I hope you enjoy it. From the foreword by Garth Long, Professional Education Advisor, Nursing and Midwifery Council All nursing students are required to have the underpinning knowledge to demonstrate proficiency in performing nursing skills, especially those identified on the Essential Skills Clusters. Essential Skills Clusters for Nurses is a comprehensive, practical resource for students providing them with the core theory and knowledge underpinning these nursing skills. Divided into five sections that discuss a particular area of the Essential Skills Clusters, this text explores care, compassion and communication; organisational aspects of care; infection prevention and control; nutrition and fluid maintenance, and medicines management and pharmacology. It will be essential reading for all pre-registration nursing students, on all branch programmes. Key features of the text: Provides the underpinning theory and knowledge behind core nursing skills, and those on Essential Skills Clusters Relevant and applicable to all branches of nursing Accessible and interactive, with activities, further reading and case studies Each chapter written by a specialist in that particular field