NURSING AS A PROFESSION. AI-Generated.
Nursing: The Backbone of Modern Healthcare
History of nursing
Although the origins of nursing predate the mid-19th century, the history of professional nursing traditionally begins with Florence Nightingale. Nightingale, the well-educated daughter of wealthy British parents, defied social conventions and decided to become a nurse. The nursing of strangers, either in hospitals or in their homes, was not then seen as a respectable career for well-bred ladies, who, if they wished to nurse, were expected to do so only for sick family and intimate friends. In a radical departure from these views, Nightingale believed that well-educated women, using scientific principles and informed education about healthy lifestyles, could dramatically improve the care of sick patients. Moreover, she believed that nursing provided an ideal independent calling full of intellectual and social freedom for women, who at that time had few other career options.
Nursing is a cornerstone of the healthcare industry, playing a critical role in patient care and the overall functioning of healthcare systems. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, providing essential services such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and offering emotional support. Their responsibilities extend beyond basic care to include patient advocacy, education, and coordination of care with other healthcare professionals [1][2
