Nursing

Nursing is the profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities to maintain health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and support recovery. Nurses work in collaboration with other health professionals to assess needs, plan and deliver care, and advocate for patients.

Nursing roles include direct clinical practice, health promotion, education, administration, research, informatics, and policy development. Practice settings range from hospitals and clinics to home care, long-term care, schools, and military services. Specialty areas include pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, critical care, mental health, oncology, and community health.

Education and licensure: entry paths include diploma programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN). Advanced practice roles require graduate education and certification, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or nurse anesthetist. In many countries, nurses must pass a licensure examination and meet continuing education requirements to maintain practice.

History and ethics: modern nursing emerged in the 19th century with figures such as Florence Nightingale, emphasizing sanitation, patient-centered care, and systematic nursing practice. Nursing codes of ethics emphasize patient autonomy, confidentiality, informed consent, and advocacy, with professional standards set by organizations and regulatory bodies.

Research and global context: nursing relies on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. It is practiced worldwide, with variations in education, regulation, and scope of practice. Global health efforts address nurse shortages, workforce planning, and equitable access to care. Challenges such as burnout, staffing shortages, and an aging population shape the field and its evolution.