The skills required by childrens nurses are many and varied, and are undertaken in a variety of settings. Sick children are cared for at home, in childrens units and hospitals, and sometimes in adult wards. In addition, children with disabilities may need nursing care while at special schools or in residential 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 References and further reading The guidelines have been written specifically for childrens nursing by contributors from well-known childrens units. They are not simply adaptations from adult practices and therefore recognise the unique differences between adult and childrens nursing. The introductory section covers common concepts and infection control. There is also a chapter on complementary therapies and an appendix on the use of play as a distraction. All hospital and community nurses dealing with children, whether at home, in specialised units or in community settings, will find the book of great practical help. 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