This is an accessible and practical guide to the theory and practice of the key clinical skills to be mastered by nursing students. Presented in a concise, easy-to-read style, the text offers a unique blend of solid theoretical content and practice-based competency tables, enabling students and instructors to translate their skills and knowledge into provable competencies that fulfil the required standards. The fourth edition has been thoroughly updated: eight new skills have been added; numerous key skills have been expanded; evidence based practice information has been strengthened; a new index and restructured table of contents will make it even easier to find your skill.