There are many types of nurses and they undertake different functions
in the treatment of their patients. Of the lot, the type of nurses who are
in regular touch with the families are the medicine nurse. They provide
care to the patients, educate the families about health and promote the
proper care for health for both individuals and families. They are often
the first point of contact between the families under their charge and the
overall healthcare system. When the doctors come, they are also an
important point of contact. They ensure that the care that patients get is
the most suitable for the patient, and also cost effective. (About the
Due to their close contact with the families they get to know the
families and individuals well. They provide care that can be accessed by
all without regard to the financial position of the family or the
geographical location, social status, cultural background or other
differences. They are continually involved with the families and the
members of all age levels and help them to pass through the different
health related happenings. All health care providers get their first
knowledge about the family from the nurses attached to the family. They
also help the families and the members to plan for their own health care.
The profession of nursing was given a proper image by Florence
Nightingale. Her first step in nursing was to sit in the homes of sick
people in her village and investigate local hospitals and nursing
practices. She had originally wanted to be a nurse, but was not permitted
by her parents, as it was then not considered a suitable profession for
women as well educated as Florence Nightingale. The discussions about her
future were still going on when all agreed that Florence would make a...