"This book is designed to assist the student healthcare worker in the field of medicines management. All exercises are related to practice and the healthcare environment. It is full of medicines management information you will need as a healthcare professional. The book looks at the general principles of drug administration, and features how to chapters covering the administration of many types of drug. All the material has been requested by students like you, who told me what they wanted in a medicines management book. It is designed to be a quick reference, one on which you can build your knowledge and skills. At the start of your nursing career you will observe drug administration and then gradually take a more active part in the process. Dont shy away from this, as one day you will be on your own and the patient will rely on you as being the fount of all knowledge.

Nobody expects you to be all knowing at the start of your career and you will need to have quite a few drug-related competencies signed off to prove your ability during your training. Many clinical areas also supply students with an induction pack during placement. This pack usually has a section on commonly prescribed medications used in that area. It is from this that you will build up your knowledge of cardiac drugs, renal drugs, drugs used in neurosurgical wards, drugs used in paediatric care, and so on. The book talks about patients but often uses the community terminology of service user as well. The paediatric nurse has not been forgotten, with information throughout incorporating this branch of nursing. The book incorporates many exercises to check understanding, to help you to build confidence and competence. It has been also compiled using quotes and tips from student nurses themselves: a book by students for students.

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