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Personal Definition of Nursing

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Personal Definition of Nursing
What is nursing? Nursing has certainly evolved over the years. In the beginning nursing was untaught and instinctive. It was performed of compassion for others, out of the wish to help others (Historical evolution, n.d.). In 1859 , in “Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is not,” Florence Nightingale became the first person to write a definition of nursing. She wrote, “I use the word nursing for want of better. It has been limited to signify little more than administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet-all at the least expense of vital power to the patient.” (Black, 2014, p.115) Florence Nightingales definition may be the oldest, but it most closely matches my personal definition of nursing. Personally, I believe that nursing should be approached in a holistic manner by caring for the patient as a whole. By doing so the focus shouldn't simply be on administering medications and carrying out orders. As nurses it is our job to advocate for our patients to ensure that they receive high quality care. We should ensure that we provide the patient with adequate education in disease prevention and caring for their mind, body, and spirit. I also believe that nursing is a ministry. Ministry has been described as “meeting people where they are at and taking them to where God wants them to be” (Briggs, 2010.). How does nursing meet this description? As Nurses we meet people in their most vulnerable state. Depending on their of specialty, nurses get to minister to patients in either the happiest or saddest times in their lives.
Whatever your definition of nursing, one can agree that the common theme is that nursing is still performed of compassion for others, out of the wish

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