The Manual of Common Bedside Surgical Procedures, Second Edition, Edited by Herbert Chen et al. provides the basis for the nurse to understand those surgical procedures which will be most commonly encountered by the nurse in the health care environment. The book details the procedures themselves, indications for the same, potential complications, preparation of the patient for the same, preparation for the procedure, how to treat  potential complications, and other matters. The book is easily understandable and is very interesting. It will assist the nurse in her care of the patient as well as  enhance the general assessment of and efficaciousness of nursing intervention. Nurses should read the same, despite the traditional professional barriers which have limited nursing care, assessment, and intervention in the same. These barriers have, unnecessarily, limited the efficacy and appropriateness of care that nurses could provide to patients while undermining the professionalism of nursing.