What is Nursing?

You may be wondering, "What is nursing?" If you are looking for a new career or trying to decide what you want to do with your life, knowing what a nursing job entails may be able to help you decide if it's for you or not. Many people just have vague notions about what a nurse does and don't know what specific tasks a nurse might do on the job.

At the basic level, nurses work with other medical professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat health issues. They may work with individuals, families, and communities to help people reach and maintain optimal health. It can be thought of as an applied science that draws on other sciences (physical, biological, psychological, etc.)

Nurses must have a commitment to their patients, the ability to respond quickly to emergency and rapidly changing situations, and good communication with their patients and other professionals. All nurses must pass some form of training and education as well as licensing exams. These requirements help ensure that a nurse is knowledgeable and prepared for the requirements of the job.

Nursing activities have been around for many years as most cultures have a way of caring for sick or injured in the group. In the past, nursing was handled by either the military or religious institutions. These groups cared for the sick and wounded, although the term nursing wasn't used for the activities until the last several centuries.

Modern forms of nursing developed during the 19^th century during the Crimean War and the American Civil War. Nurses like Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton revolutionized the way that nursing happened and the care given to patients. They emphasized better sanitation, which increased survival rates dramatically.

Nurses work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, health care facilities, doctors' offices, and home care. They may specialize in a particular area of nursing such as prenatal, emergency unit, and cardiac care. Many nurses earn certifications in different areas of nursing.

If you wonder, "What is nursing?" take some time to learn the different aspects of nursing today. You may find that a career in nursing would fit your skills and personality. You can find more information about nursing from schools offering degrees and from nursing associations.