Student Nurses Guide to Professional Practice and Development is an essential guide for those considering or already embarked on a career in nursing. This new handbook provides a professional perspective of all the branches of nursing and gives comprehensive advice on how to gain entry to nursing courses and on all the key aspects of preparing for the role of registered nurse.Career opportunities and professional development requirements are clearly described within the context of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct (2002). The text also provides professional portfolio and current educational requirements, detailed information about support networks for student nurses, career opportunities and current professional requirements for registered nurses.With information and guidance about all aspects of a nursing career, from entering adult nursing, children's nursing, mental health and learning disability nursing, to the professional requirements necessary for qualification as a registered nurse, this is an essential career guide for all student and registered nurses in the UK.