Book excerpt: "The Intellectual and Developmental Disability Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition, is an essential document for every intellectual and developmental disability nurse practicing in the United States. The scope of practice statement answers the who, what, when, where, how, and why questions of intellectual and developmental disability nursing. The standards provide authoritative statements of the actions and behaviors that all registered intellectual and developmental disability nurses are expected to competently perform, regardless of role, population, specialty, and setting. The product of extensive thought work by many registered nurses, this new edition provides 17 national standards of practice and professional performance. Each standard is accompanied by detailed competencies for the three practice levels. This premier professional resource informs and guides intellectual and developmental disability nurses in their vital work providing safe, quality, and competent care. It is a must-have for every registered intellectual and developmental disability nurse"--