A Handbook for Student Nurses is a comprehensive introduction to the essential background knowledge and understanding that pre-registration nursing students need to gain in order to have a foundation on which to build the rest of their training. Providing crucial context and an examination of key issues, this book encapsulates the core of first-year nursing in one cost-effective resource. This interactive textbook supports learners with case studies and examples, activities and reflection points, a glossary and references. Key documents, legislation and reports are introduced and further reading offers a guide to further information on the topic covered and website links to relevant organisations. The book acts both as learning support and as a reference resource that is easy to dip into for key information .A Handbook for Student Nurses is also suitable for: * People returning to nursing who require an update on the latest developments in the profession; * Those considering a career in nursing and looking for an introduction to the profession; * Health care assistants, assistant practitioners and students studying on Foundation Degree, NVQ and Access programmes looking to increase their understanding of the framework in which they practice.