It is essential for students to understand the various strands that make nursing what it is. This book clearly explores theories of nursing through their application within nursing practice. It first considers the nature of nursing and how it is defined as a profession by nurses and by others in society. It then looks at the activity of nursing, its aims and how these are met through systems of care delivery. Finally, it explores what nursing is really like when you qualify, and discusses the benefits and challenges of working in each of the main nursing fields of practice.