ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 discusses the nature and context of practical nursing skills and how the book can help students in developing these skills. The chapter first introduces the nature of practical nursing skills and their affective, cognitive and motor dimensions. The context for carrying out practical nursing skills is next considered including legal, professional and policy aspects. The chapter then discusses person-centred care with reference to practical nursing skills, followed by an exploration of caring and compassion. Cultural competence is next considered followed by a discussion of dignity in care. The chapter then turns to how students can learn practical nursing skills, including reflection and optimising learning in practice.
