Book excerpt: The essential handbook for nursing associate students and anyone undertaking a foundation degree or higher-level apprenticeship in healthcare practice. Now mapped to the latest NMC standards, this book provides you with the core knowledge and skills needed for your nursing associate studies, including study skills, professional development, leadership and teamwork, infection control and health promotion, bioscience, health sciences, mental health, learning disabilities, children and families. Key features for the new edition: All content is in-line with the NMC’s ‘Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates’ – with each chapter featuring an outline of the platforms covered, ensuring that nursing associates upon registration, will be able to effectively demonstrate these proficiencies and meet all outcome statements. New chapters on Public Health and Advanced Health Science: Genomics and Pathophysiology.. Case studies and activities have been updated to aid discussion-based learning in the classroom and show students how the theory relates to real-life practice. Written by a collection of experienced authors in nursing and health, the book is essential reading for anyone studying to be a nursing associate, assistant practitioner or healthcare support worker.