Developments in the field of nursing and their importanceIntroductionNursing is a branch of medicine that covers the sensitive, cultural and biological requirements of the patient, in addition to diagnosis and of treatment. Traditionally, nursing was thought to be about cleaning patients, emptying their bedpans, and keeping them comfortable and well cared for (Health Issues and Careers). This notion has evolved over time and nursing can now be practiced as a medical profession. It should be noted that nursing has undergone a profound cultural shift in recent decades. In this regard, nurses are expected to understand and conduct research, and base their professional practice on emerging research data (Beck 4). This will be helpful during the process of studying and conceptualizing new ideas. Background and First Definition of Nursing Defining nursing can be problematic. Nurses themselves cannot reach a consensus, in part because of the history of the discipline. The main factor that makes the definition difficult is that it is supposed to have both theoretical and applied aspects (Hartley 150). This is not normally the case as it is mostly done through practice. In recent years, nurses have been preoccupied with fulfilling their responsibilities rather than defining their role. This concept has developed over the years from a nurse as a mother or wife to a nurse whose duties incorporate the growing and demanding tasks of people in need of health care. Nursing care was initially limited to hospitals; however, there is a growing need for nursing and medical services to be brought to the community. This is where public health and nursing comes into play. To understand public health, it is necessary to give... middle of paper ......d to ensure that every citizen can access a health care facility. Works Cited Beck, Cheryl Tatano. Nursing research: generating and evaluating evidence for nursing practice. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009. Echaore-McDavid, Susan. Engineering career opportunities. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2009. Fagin, Claire M. Essays in Nursing Leadership. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2010. Hartley, Celia Love. Nursing in today's world: trends, problems and management. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. Jennifer. "What Nurses Can Expect in 2014: Leaders' Predictions." NurseZone.com Np, January 10, 2014. Web. April 13. 2014. McGee, Paula. Nursing models in practice: a model of practical care. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2009. Timby, Barbara Kuhn. Fundamental nursing skills and concepts. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.