Wow! You are a nursing student. What a challenge! During our years as nursing faculty we have seen many successful students. This text is our way of helping you to successfully graduate from nursing school.

The second edition of our book incorporates some new chapters and some revised chapters. We made these changes based on input from students and others who reviewed our book. Here are some of the changes:

1. Learning Styles and information on Web Courses have been added (Chapter 1).
2. We have included a new chapter on Time Management (Chapter 2).
3. Ethics and delegation have been added to the chapter on Legal/Ethical Concerns (Chapter 9).
4. Another new chapter has been added on Alternative Therapies (Chapter 21).
5. All of the Web addresses have been updated and more have been added (Chapter 35).

Do not expect this to be a typical text on a specific nursing area. Rather, it is a resource for some of the more difficult foundation material generally covered in early nursing courses: knowledge that is used in multiple nursing settings. This book will not be able to replace detailed textbooks or class attendance. You will still need to read your textbooks, participate in the learning laboratory, and put time and energy into written assignments.

We anticipate, however, that this book will help you by presenting the highlights of these challenging, yet essential, topics. You will notice that this book is different from course texts in three additional ways.

1. The format is flexible: some material is in typical narrative format, some is in question and answer format, and some is in outline or bulleted (list) format.
2. Many areas are written in "conversation" style, as if we were with you in a learning environment.
3. Some chapters are very short.

In addition to the difficult topics, we have also included guidance in some areas that tend to be stumbling blocks to success.

As with many professions, knowledge learned today in nursing is often outdated by tomorrow. New technology and research is occurring at an alarming pace. So what does this mean for you? Well, several things. First, you must understand this phenomenon and accept it. Second, when research supports new knowledge and techniques, you must be able to release "old" knowledge and ways of doing things. Third, you must keep on top of these current changes through multiple means: reading your professional journals, attending conferences, and searching the Internet for credible new information and technologies.

We believe that this book will help as you progress through nursing school. We would love to hear from you through our publisher, Prentice Hall. How has our book helped you? Are there some other things you would like to see in future editions?

Nursing is a rich and rewarding career. We are very proud of the "nurse" in us and pleased that we may share a small part of building the "nurse" in you. We wish you the best in your nursing career!

"Difficult Concepts Made Easy" Second Edition A "must-have" resource for all nursing students, Dr. B. Gail Twiname's" Student Nurse Handbook" is" the answer" when it comes to nursing questions. An engaging, reader-friendly writing style simplifies difficult concepts, presenting them in a clear, concise manner. Also presented are handy survival tips that include - advice on test taking, navigating Internet resources, and effective communication strategies. Also included: Two new chapters on Time Management skills and Alternative Therapies. New material on learning styles including Web courses. A revised chapter on legal concerns with new information on ethics and delegation. Updated and expanded Internet resources and links. Coverage of universal topics such as spirituality, sexuality, death and dying, as well as cultural differences. Bulleted outlines that alert of key content. Case studies highlighting real-life application of material.