"Paul Barber and Deborah Robertson have put together a fabulous, informative and valuable book that addresses one of nursing's key roles. The text presents pharmacology for nurses in a clear and easy to read style ... Aimed primarily at nursing students, this is a book that will stimulate and motivate. However, given the current focus on clinical governance and reducing medication errors, this book would be a useful revision aid for nurses at all levels."

Valerie McGurk, Nursing Standard, December 2009

"This book is great! The style of writing is easy to read and a first year student could easily read this without becoming confused by long words and unfamiliar terminology. The book includes lots of features that are useful for exam revision - including tips, calculations, multiple choice questions and learning points. A must have textbook for all nursing students."

Joanne Starkes, Nursing student, Bournemouth University, UK

"This excellent and useful book is written by two authors with a wealth of nursing and pharmacology experience between them. Expert advice is given in the form of clinical tips in boxes throughout the book providing additional specialist information. It is perfect for any pre-registration student to establish a sound base of knowledge in pharmaco-dynamics, the effect of drugs on the body, as well as pharmaco-kinetics, how drugs are absorbed, metabolised and excreted. Calculation of drug dosage is an area of pharmacology which fills many student nurses with dread and the calculation questions in each chapter provide a chance to test and improve calculation knowledge and gain confidence."

Jo Parham, Nursing Student, UWE, UK

"Each chapter has a section of both calculations and multiple choice questions. This is a great idea to allow students to test their knowledge as they go along, as well as being a good study aid when it comes to exam time ... This book is a great investment for any student nurse who is beginning their Pharmacology modules of the course!"

Naomi Hanvey, Student Nurse, Queens University, Belfast, UK

This accessible book introduces pharmacology and calculations in a friendly, informative way. The book focuses on the pharmacology knowledge needed at pre-registration level and does not assume previous knowledge of pharmacology, or a level of confidence with maths and drugs calculations.

Barber and Robertson build on your existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology to help give a holistic understanding of body systems. This user-friendly guide includes:

• Calculation sections containing 90 calculations to help you perfect your skills
  
• 100 multiple choice questions to help the reader assess learning
  
• Clinical tip boxes linking pharmacology to the role of the nurse
  
• Patient scenarios from a range of different clinical settings, demonstrating pharmacology in clinical settings

The book emphasises application of pharmacological principles to all areas of practice including drug action, interaction and side effects. Among the topics covered are:

• Local anaesthetics and analgesics
  
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
  
• Drugs used for chronic conditions
  
• Drugs in mental health
  
• Legal and professional issues

Essentials of Pharmacology for Nurses is core reading for all pre-registration nurses.