The Student Nurse Handbook

This book is an indispensable guide on how to get into and survive a pre-registration nursing course. With an immensely readable style this book inspires and encourages students to complete their course and become a nurse. Covering a wide range of topics it helps students to • Make the most of clinical placements • Make drug dosage calculations and administer medication Write assignments • Avoid plagiarism • Cope with stress • Create a portfolio • Reflect on practice • Understand nursing models, theories and philosophies • Understand medical terminology and nursing jargon • Deal with legal and ethical issues This unique book will be useful to those of any age considering a career in nursing, with or without previous experience in healthcare. It helps students to understand exactly what tutors and mentors expect from them and helps to plan for and cope with the inevitable stresses and frustrations. The Student Nurse Handbook is an essential companion to the pre-registration nursing course. New to this edition Fully updated in line with changes in nursing practice e.g. the revised NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Disability Discrimination Act, Agenda for Change and the Knowledge and Skills Framework, Essence of Care. Expanded section on nursing models More help with drug dosage calculations to assist students in developing their numeric skills. More on help on writing assignments and how to use research, including applications to practice Expanded appendices on children’s nursing and mental health branches. Template forms to assist with course applications, planning assignments and a check list for placements Author Info By Bethann Siviter, BSc(Hons), RN, DN Cert, Dip HE, Nurse Consultant, South Birmingham Primary Care Trust, Moseley Hall Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Past Chair of the Association of Nursing Students and former student member of RCN Council, District Nurse Team Leader Table of Contents: Becoming and being a nurse. Nursing models. Academic work. Clinical placements. Basics of nursing. Tools of the trade. Cracking the code.. Safe and accurate administration of medicines. Reading and understanding research. Reflective practice and portfolios. Legal issues for students.. Final thoughts. Useful books. Appendices