NURSING AS A PROFESSION

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

Nursing is an art and a science as well as a humanitarian service. It is a unique profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. She laid the foundation of professional nursing with the establishment of her nursing school at St Thomas Hospital, London in 1860. Nurses play a vital role in the health care system of any country whose main goals are to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent diseases, alleviate suffering and rehabilitate individuals that are differently abled. Therefore, most of the countries have strengthened their nursing profession through degree level education and specialization in selected fields of nursing in order to provide effective and efficient health care for the public.

Nursing is identified as a profession based on the criteria that a profession must have; a systematic body of knowledge that provides the framework for the profession’s practice, standardized formal higher education, commitment to providing a service that benefits individuals and the community, maintenance of a unique role that recognizes autonomy, responsibility and accountability, control of practice responsibility of the profession through standards and a code of ethics, evidence based practice and commitment to members of the profession through professional organizations and activities.

Nurses are integral in promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for individuals across all stages of life. They work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and even patients' homes. This versatility allows them to address a wide range of health issues and adapt to the needs of different populations [2]. The profession's scope has expanded significantly over the years, with nurses now taking on more advanced roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, which further underscores their importance in the healthcare system [2][3].

The global impact of nursing is profound. Nurses contribute to public health initiatives, participate in healthcare research, and collaborate with international organizations to improve health outcomes worldwide. The World Health Organization has recognized the critical role of nurses by designating 2020 as the "International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife," highlighting their contributions to global health [4]. This recognition is a testament to the profession's importance and the need for continued investment in nursing education and workforce development.

In summary, nursing is a vital and respected profession that is essential to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems globally. Nurses' dedication to patient care, their role in health promotion and disease prevention, and their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare make them indispensable. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the importance of nursing will only increase, making it a promising and impactful career choice [1][2][3][4].
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