Florence Nightingale Influence On Nursing

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Lynn McDonald informs us that Florence Nightingale was the originator of modern nursing. She believed it was essential to do more than medicate her patients; she applied a holistic approach that addressed her patients physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. Her nursing philosophies are the cornerstone of nursing practices and they are used in a variety of hospitals, nursing homes, and clinical settings (McDonald 35). Nightingale would be proud to know her work wasn't in vain. Looking ahead as we persevere and mend our economy, many have considered increasing their level of education to gain a more competitive edge in today's labor force. Rather you're working on your first degree, changing career paths, or trying to pursue an advanced degree, a career as a Registered Nurse offers many possibilities. With that being said, let me share with you the responsibilities, educational options, and the earning potential of joining the Registered Nursing profession. For starters, the American Nurses Association describes nursing as:
"The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and
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The degree boast over 200 specialties (bls.gov)! It is the prerequisite for admission into a graduate nursing program, and once master or doctorally prepared nurses graduate they have the ability to specialize. Nurses who hold these degrees fill leadership, administration, research, and education positions (just to name a few). Some advanced practice nursing specialties include nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse educator, and clinical nurse specialists (Riendeau pg.