The skills required by children’s nurses are many and varied, and are undertaken in a variety of settings. This book provides a clinical manual of common practices. Each practice is research-based and presented in a common format which covers: Objectives, Rationale, Factors to note, Guidelines, Positioning, Equipment, Method, Special observations and possible complications, and References and further reading. The guidelines have been written specifically for children’s nursing by contributors from well-known children’s units. They are not simply adaptations from adult practices and therefore recognise the unique differences between adult and children’s nursing. The introductory section covers common concepts and infection control. There are also appendices on the use of play as a distraction, and on complementary therapies.

• The common format of each practice makes the book easy to use and refer to in a clinical setting.
• Each practice is based on the latest research to ensure it is evidence-based and up to date
• Introductory chapters cover issues common to all practices to make the book easier to use.
• The appendix on play reinforces its common usage as a distraction technique
• A chapter on complementary therapies explains these as they are becoming more widespread
• All practices have been reviewed by regional centres to avoid parochialism

• Content reorganised to reflect the Essential Skills Clusters from the NMC
• New chapter on communicating with children
• All chapters updated to reflect the current evidence base