Developments in the field of nursing and its significance Introduction Nursing is a branch of medicine that covers the sensitive, cultural and biological requirements of the patient, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Traditionally, nursing was thought to involve cleaning patients, emptying their bedpans, and keeping them comfortable and well-groomed (Health and Career Issues). This notion has changed over time and now nursing can be practiced as a medical profession. It is worth noting that nursing has undergone a profound cultural alteration in recent decades. In this regard, nurses are expected to understand and conduct research and base their professional practice on emerging research evidence (Beck 4). This will help during the process of studying and conceptualizing new ideas. Background and Initial Definition of Nursing Defining nursing can be problematic. Nurses themselves cannot reach a consensus, partly due to the history of the discipline. The main factor that makes the definition difficult is that it is believed to involve both theoretical and applicative aspects (Hartley 150). This is normally not the case as it is pursued primarily through practice. In recent years, nurses were more concerned with carrying out their responsibilities than defining their roles. This concept has grown over the years from a nurse who is a mother or woman to the nurse with duties that integrate the growing and demanding people in need of healthcare. Initially, nursing care was limited to hospitals; however, there is a growing demand for nursing and medical services to be provided to the community. This is where public health and nursing come into play. To understand public health, it is necessary to give......middle of paper......d to ensure that every citizen can access a healthcare facility.Works CitedBeck, Cheryl Tatano. Nursing research: generating and evaluating evidence for nursing practice. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. Echaore-McDavid, Susan. Career opportunities in Engineering. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2009.Fagin, Claire M. Essays on Nursing Leadership. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2010.Hartley, Celia Love. Nursing in today's world: trends, issues and management. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010.Jennifer. “What Nurses Can Expect in 2014: Predictions from Leaders.” NurseZone.com Np, Jan. 10, 2014. Web. Apr. 13. 2014.McGee, Paula. Models of nursing care in practice: A model for practical nursing. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2009. Timby, Barbara Kuhn. Fundamental nursing skills and concepts. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.