A textbook for students who are undertaking an enrolled nurse programme. The textbook introduces students to the basic concepts, process, skills and techniques of nursing practice, and provides them with a foundation for further nursing studies. This second edition is based upon the curicula of the nursing councils or registration boards in the various Australian states. It has been revised and updated to refect the changes which have occurred in, and to meet the needs of, enrolled nurse education programmes. The book is presented in 5 parts. Part 1 introduces the students to various theories and models of nursing; normal growth and development throughout the lifespan; behavioural, legal, and ethical aspects of nursing; and to the nursing process. Part 2 introduces the students to aspects of physics and chemistry which are relevant to nursing practice, and provides information on structure and function of the human body. Part 3 discusses basic human needs and how, when necessary, nursing care may be planned and implemented to assist an individual to meet these needs. Part 4 addreses the care of an individual with a body system disorder. Each body system is presented in a separate chapter which includes a brief review of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiological influences and effects of dysfunction, major manifestations of disorders of that system, diagnostic tests which may be performed, and nursing care guidelines. Part 5 introduces the students to care of an individual with a specific need, or special circumstance. Learning objectives appear at the beginning of each chapter. Some information has been placed in tabular form or displayed prominently in boxes for ease access and learning. Suggested methods of performing nursing activities have been presented in a format consisting of nursing actions and their rationale, so that students have an understanding of why specific actions are taken. At the end of each chapter is a list of references and further reading which can be used as a guide for students who wish to explore topics in greater depth.