There are several interlocking elements integral to the delivery of safe patient care, including clinical governance, efficient communication, teamwork, risk assessment, inter-professional education and effective leadership. Each element can be challenging to understand, develop, or act on, but it is essential that nurses use these as opportunities to ensure their specialty or service delivers safe and high-quality care. This article discusses each of these elements and its relationship to quality patient care, with specific reference to the role of children’s nurses.