Nursing according to Florence Nightingale (1860) is the act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery. Virginia Henderson defined nursing as the unique function of the nurse to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge, and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible. The American Nursing Association (ANA) in 1980 defines nursing as the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.
Five Fold Fundamental Goals of Nursing
- To promote health
- To prevent illness
- To restore health
- To alleviate suffering
- To promote spiritual environment
Functions of a Nurse
Dependent function works with the doctor. The doctor provides the legal order for the nurse to perform. Example of a dependent function is medication administration. Independent function the primary basis is the nurses’ assessment. An example of an independent function of the nurse is sponge bath. Interdependent or collaborative function is where the nurse works together with other members of the health care team.
Seven Known Functions of a Nurse
- Application and execution of the doctor’s legal orders.
- Observation of symptoms and reactions.
- Supervision of the patient.
- Supervision of those participating in care (except the doctor). Includes the nursing aide, nursing orderlies, nursing assistants, families, student nurses.
- Application and execution of nursing procedures and techniques.
- Reporting and recording.
- Promotion of physical and emotional health by direction and teaching.
Roles of a Nurse
- Communicator
- Decision maker
- Comforter
- Researcher
- Manager
- Teacher
- Counselor
- Care giver
- Protector and client advocate
- Rehabilitator
