Nursing Standard
Editor's choice
How to write an action plan with a nurse or nursing student
Objectives should be SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound

Read the latest digital edition
Your environmentally-friendly digital edition comes with links to further resources and access to previous issues.
Read digital editionNewsroom
Missing nursing student: fifth man arrested, police make fresh appeal to public
Police make renewed appeal for information about Owami Davies, who vanished over a month ago
Medication errors: how to avoid them and what to do if you make one
Advice on common mistakes, their potential consequences and methods to improve safety
Petition urges Government to rethink scrapping NHS COVID sick pay
Nurses with long-COVID say the payments were a lifeline providing financial security
Nursing in social care: how leadership opportunities can change its image
Using career pathways and peer support to attract people to the sector
Nurses brand call to take on extra cleaning duties ‘ridiculous’ and ‘outrageous’
Hospital’s plan to cover staffing shortages sparks social media backlash
New training will help nurses avoid skin damage from gloves while reducing waste
Free online course for all care settings aims to curb excessive reliance on gloves
Evidence and Practice
How to write an action plan with a nurse or nursing student
Objectives should be SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound
Exploring support strategies for improving nursing student retention
What some HEIs offer and how this may increase the likelihood of students staying on a course
How to interpret arterial blood gas results
The steps involved when evaluating respiration and circulation in deteriorating patients
Pharmacological management of chronic heart failure
Update your knowledge of the common medicines used to treat chronic heart failure
Understanding and mitigating low health literacy
Source techniques to assist you in communicating with people who have low health literacy
Identifying and managing acute kidney injury
Learn its pathophysiology, staging, signs and symptoms, and treatments
Features
The therapeutic relationship: how rapport with patients aids shared decision-making
In an overstretched NHS, the nurse-patient relationship is more important than ever
Integrated care systems: why they’re going to matter to you (if they don’t already)
A seamless health and care system sounds like the perfect plan – but will ICSs work?
Bowel cancer care: a day in the life of colorectal oncology nursing teams
The highs and lows of the roles as COVID pressures continue and teams tackle the backlog
What inspired me to become a nurse – and why I choose to stay
Nurses reflect on their route into the profession and what keeps them motivated
Remote assessments for physical conditions: how to get the most from video calls
Virtual consultations can transform care, and there are tools to help with tech and skills
Inflammatory bowel disease: what it is and how tailored care can improve quality of life
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be debilitating – find out how to support patients
Opinion
Industrial action ballot: how it works and what you need to know
Our guide explains the rules on the poll and its potential impact on pay
Staff retention: what would the NHS look like if nurses’ roles were respected?
Stemming the tide of leavers post-COVID will require more than increased overseas recruitment
DNACPR notices: the patient’s role in decision-making and when consent is needed
The discussions required for valid notices, and how patients and their families are involved
Students
Coping with patient death: preparing for your clinical placement
We answer some common questions on care after death and supporting families
What is a nurse paramedic and could this master’s-level role suit you?
A new course integrates the two professions, allowing graduates to forge a new career path
Watch: advice for students on supporting your health and well-being
Why common stress tips may not be helpful, and strategies to help you look after yourself
Careers
What does a thrombosis nurse specialist do – and could this be your next role?
The position involves care in preventing, diagnosing and treating venous thromboembolism
Violence reduction nurse specialists: what do they do and what experience do you need?
Working mainly with young people at risk of violence, strong communication skills are key
Becoming a chief nurse: what I’ve learned in the first year
Taking on a senior leadership role in the wake of a pandemic is not easy – here are my tips