Nursing is constantly evolving in order to meet new demands and also has to take into account the up to date information which is available. The purpose of nursing is to promote healing, health, preventing illness, disease and also to minimise distress and maximise the best quality of life whilst maintaining independency where available (Hall. et al.2013). Nursing roles have also evolved in order to deliver person centre care which is delivering care which is specific to each patient’s individual needs, beliefs and values (McCormack & McCance 2010). Many definitions for nursing can be related to different professions within the caring profession however the role of a nurse is unique to any other professions and if nursing did not have a definition it is said to be difficult to control, finance, research or taught (Hal. et al. 2013). Definitions of nursing are useful tools in order to put key concepts into words. One of the earliest definitions of nursing was stated by Florence Nightingale, she maintained that nature cured a patient and a nurse was there to put the patient in the best possible condition for nature to act upon him or her (FLOERENCE BOOK). Virginia Henderson described the unique function of a nurse and she highlighted the individulal, the aid to recovery and also most importantly promotes independence where possible. Henderson also states that the patient is in control, “she is the master.” (Kozier 2008). A definition however can not describe the relationships and communications skills which a nurse has when working with patients, other nurses and other health professionals who are involved in how care is delivered.
There are six main characteristics which underpin nursing; Care, compassion, communication,