Throughout the world, nursing is seen as one of the noblest professions. Florence Nightingale, whose patience and compassion touched hundreds of soldiers wounded in the Crimean war, epitomizes the ideal nurse. In a hospital, from the general ward to the operating theater, nursing is the most important component of patient care. In fact, the availability of effective nursing services is an indicator of the health of a country's medicare system. 

Contrary to popular belief, nursing is not a second-choice career for those unable to gain entry into medical schools: The two professions, though complementary, require separate skills and temperaments. A vital difference is that while the doctor's contact with patients is fleeting, nurses
are expected to establish and maintain a relationship with them.

Traditionally, more women than men have taken up this profession, and nurses today form the largest single group of female health workers in the world.

MAIN AREAS OF WORK

Nursing covers a range of functions and responsibilities that vary with levels of qualification and the working environment: The profession thus has scope for people with widely. varying aims, interests and abilities. Some nurses for instance concentrate entirely on bedside care, while others manage whole groups of people. The main functional areas in nursing include:

GENERAL NURSING 

In hospitals, nursing homes and sanitariums, where most nurses are employed.

SCHOOL NURSES 

Supervise student clinics. They work in school health services and regularly visit a number of schools. Their job includes checking the vision, hearing, weight, growth, etc. of the children. They also try to detect minor health problems before these develop into more serious disorders. School nurses also teach first-aid and give lectures on health and hygiene.

INDUSTRIAL NURSES 

Provide preventive and other services under the direction of an industrial physician. They also render first aid in case of accidents and emergencies.

PSYCHIATRIC NURSES 

Work with emotionally disturbed and mentally handicapped patients. Their aim is to develop the
patient's potential. This type of nursing is always a mixture of teaching, demonstration, understanding, and establishing relationships of trust with the patient. Psychiatric nurses work in teams with doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists and other specialists.

MIDWIVES

Look after mothers and children, from early pregnancy until about four weeks after the birth of the baby. They provide advice, support and instruction to mothers at both antenatal and post-natal stages. Midwives take full responsibility during the birth, and, in case of complications, call a doctor immediately. They also counsel women suffering from post-natal depression, and teach them to cope with their newborn babies.