Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other health care providers by their approach to patient care, training, and scope of practice. Nurses practice in many specialties with differing levels of prescription authority. Many nurses provide care within the ordering scope of physicians, and this traditional role has come to shape the public image of nursing as a whole. However, nurse practitioners are authorized by most states to practice independently in a variety of settings. Since the 1970s there has been an increased focus on patient advocacy and evidence-based practice as well as technological advances.
The term “nurse”, meaning “one who suckles”, was in use in the 14th century; however it did not gain widespread acceptance until much later.[citation needed] Prior to that time women providing nursing services were referred to as “lactationists” (from Latin lacus ‘breast’), “dry nurses” (meaning they cared for children too young to have fed at the breast), or simply as women who nursed infants when their mothers could not. The first use of registered nurse (RN) was documented in England in 1859. This usage spread steadily throughout British Commonwealth countries during subsequent decades, although some places adopted different terminology (e.g., district nurse).
In North America prior to 1860 there were few if any formally trained nurses; those that existed had largely been educated through apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs were formalized during the Crimean War following Florence Nightingale’s work there,:41 leading her to found St Thomas’ Hospital Nursing School in London two years later;:251 these formal training programs rapidly spread across Europe during subsequent decades often co-opted by governments keen on having skilled workers available for military service if necessary.:23 In 1873 German nun Bertha Lehmann founded Deutsche Krankenpflegeschule at Kaiserwerth am Rhein (now part of Düsseldorf); this was followed shortly afterwards by France’s Fanny Hesse opening École des infirmières de la Croix-Rouge at Lille in 1874; both institutions remain operational today.:244–245 The United States soon followed suit with Mary Mahoney becoming one its first professional nurses after completing a three year program at Boston’s New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1873,:47 only four years after it opened making it also one country’s oldest continuously operating hospital-based nursing school.(p42) Sixteen years later she became co-founder – with Isabel Hampton Robb – of American Organization for Nursing Leadership which is now known as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing while working as superintendent at New York Infirmary for Women and Children which she helped establish along with Elizabeth Blackwell in lower Manhattan during 1857–58; both hospitals remain operational today under different names but still focusing on women’s healthcare needs despite significant changes over time including relocating several times each due mainly to growth.(pp38–39)(pp112–113)
During early 1900s great numbers emigrated from Europe seeking employment opportunities elsewhere due partly to economic factors but also increasing political instability culminating eventually into World War I causing further disruption; many ended up working long hours under difficult conditions often without adequate rest or food resulting sometimes into illness themselves requiring replacement workers be brought over creating even more upheaval especially given language barriers existing then between English speaking countries versus those using other languages creating communication difficulties further complicating things..:67 These circumstances led eventually led nightingale Pledge named after Florence Nightingale being created during 1893 which remains popular among new U.S.-trained RNs today according largely unchanged since its inception while serving also as model similar variations which exist now around world..(pp178–179) In Japan meanwhile Katsuzo Nakajima founded Japan Red Cross Society Nursing Association now known simply Japanese Red Cross Society same year nightingale Pledge established America helping spur development organized professional nursing both countries..:60 By mid 20th century number schools had grown significantly both developed countries undeveloped ones preparing students fulfill roles society demanded them play increasingly complex medical environments resulting expanding scope responsibilities held RNs requiring commensurate increase skills knowledge base expected them have..(p16) At same time military organizations such demanding environment result improved standards set civilian counterparts something seen continuing present day where battlefield provides proving ground new technologies medicines which then find way into everyday clinical practice benefit all involved..(pp102–103)
Today nursing educational program exists wide variety levels around world preparing students perform myriad roles required them depending context which they find themselves although some generalizations can made regardless location specific situation… In general terms entry level positions require completion certificate diploma associate degree while higher ones master doctoral degrees though exact nomenclature vary place place… Common core curriculum generally includes topics related human anatomy physiology microbiology pharmacology psychology sociology communication basic medical ethics legal issues research methods evidence based medicine… Beyond theoretical knowledge must able apply concepts clinical setting order make sound decisions best interests patients always keeping mind goal achieving optimal outcome possible each individual case while minimizing harm caused them treatments received part process… This requires critical thinking ability synthesize large amount information quickly make informed decision based what known current state science technology knowing when seek advice colleagues superiors cases where clear answer obvious… As technology medicine continue evolve so too does role played nurses change adapt new challenges sure face ensuring continued relevance high standard set profession continually raise bar future generations aspire meet exceed expectations placed upon them….