Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The Oxford Handbook of Adult Nursing, third edition, reflects the ever-changing role of nurses and nursing in the post-pandemic world. Health services and the nursing profession are under profound strain, with daily reminders of the centrality of nursing in maintaining the population’s health, safety, and well-being. This handbook again addresses the philosophy, principles, and practice of general adult nursing, in an accessible and convenient format. The central focus of the text is everyday clinical nursing practice and decision-making, recognizing the wider context of external factors which impact nurses and nursing. The chapters cover professional nursing values and standards, language, communication, skills for dealing with diverse clinical populations, leadership, teamwork, professional development, research, outlines of different body systems, clinical conditions, investigations, treatments, and frequently prescribed medicines. All chapters also highlight relevant nursing practice considerations and list useful sources of further information. Two exciting new chapters, ‘Clinical assessment’ and ‘Essential clinical skills’, have been added. These describe key nursing skills relevant to most health conditions, and guide nurses in the practical aspects of organizing and delivering care. All chapters have been updated by a team of specialist nurses, in line with Nursing and Midwifery Council regulations, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, and everyday practice and treatment innovations. This handbook provides nursing students and general adult nurses with a robust framework for thinking about, and delivering, safe, compassionate, values-based nursing.</jats:p>