Nursing has a distinctive caring, holistic ethos and it is essential for students to understand the healthcare context within which they will work. Those beginning their nursing education will gain much from this book, which examines key concepts surrounding the context in which care is provided. Organisational features of the NHS and care delivery are discussed, alongside concepts relating to professional nursing practice and students' relationships with the university and care settings. This book provides the essentials in line with the NMC Proficiencies, Skills for Health Competencies and QAA descriptors.