Book excerpt: The new edition of this highly popular book is an indispensable guide to daily procedures and problems for nurses starting work on the ward or returning to practice. It provides guidance in a variety of areas including: how to organise your job and yourself; how to assess patients; clinical information on a wide range of conditions; important principles, procedures and investigations; how to administer drugs safely; and what to do in an emergency. As well as information on how to do the job, the importance of communication and nursing care issues is emphasised. Background information is also given on underlying legal, health and safety issues.