'I found the book to be fascinating and so thought provoking that it made me consider more carefully the text and prose to really understand what the author said. It is skilfully written, very readable and has implications for a wide range of people such as the undergraduate, practitioner, lecturer and researcher' Accident and Emergency Nursing Gaining self-awareness is a vital aspect of professional development for all who work in the caring professions. In nursing especially, the ability to evaluate oneself affects all areas of practice, including direct patient care, working relationships with colleagues and maintaining one's own well-being in the often pressured environment of health care. This is an innovative text which explores the ways in which self-awareness can be used as a practical tool for continuing professional development and practice improvement. Divided into three parts, the book examines the role of the nurse as therapeutic practitioner, reflective learner and reflexive researcher. For all those wishing to develop their skills as autonomous, reflective, accountable practitioners, this book will be an inspiring read. It will be of immense use to those who teach and supervise nurses at all levels.