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Introduction
Nursing, a profession that recalls the name of Florence Nightingale is
indeed one of the noblest professions in the world. It is the art of caring
for sick people with the science of health care. It is a vital component of
any form of medical care.
The largest group of workers in the health sector are those in the nursing
occupations as nurses and nursing assistants. In a hospital from the general
ward to the operating theater, nursing forms an integral part. This is one
of the few domains of work that is almost totally dominated by women.
Nursing duties are manifold and cover a wide range of functions and
responsibilities, that depends with the level of qualification and the
working environment. At the initial level, nurses are required for the
bedside care of patients, while at senior level they are required to manage
special group of people like psychiatric, pediatric, intensive care patients
etc which require specialised skills. They are also involved in dispensing
medication, keeping records of the patients progress, setting up and
operating medical equipment, administration and several other routine
chores.
This field is both mentally and physically demanding and nurses are often
exposed to health risks from infectious diseases. As such this profession
demands long hours of work and duties which incorporate both skill and
understanding of patients needs. Those who come forward to take up this as a
career has to be patient, courageous, have a service mentality and at the
same time be ready to work for extra hours even night shifts.
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