Many patients in many different clinical areas have a permanent pacemaker (PPM) device implanted. Nurses are better equipped to deal with the unique needs of this patient group by understanding the different types of pacemaker device available, how these devices function, and how this impacts on the patient’s clinical care. An understanding of the pacemaker device also helps to identify or anticipate potential problems with the device, which may affect the patient’s health. Certain clinical tests and equipment may also affect the functioning of a pacemaker device and it is important that nurses are aware of these effects so that steps can be taken to prevent or reduce these effects, and deliver the best possible care to patients with a permanent pacemaker.