Documenting the assessments, interventions and outcomes of care of children and their families is an essential part of nursing practice. High patient turnover and reduced staff numbers create time pressures that mean documentation may be neglected or left to the last minute. Nursing’s professional code, Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2008) requires that nurses record a complete and accurate account of the assessments they make, the treatment and medicines they give and how effective these have been. Records should be written as soon after the event has occurred as possible.