Fundamentals of Nursing

Study Notes

Nursing is defined as the act of utilizing the patient's environment to assist in recovery, according to Florence Nightingale.
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, emphasized improving sanitary conditions for injured soldiers during the Crimean War.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nursing encompasses both autonomous and collaborative care for individuals of all ages, focusing on health promotion, illness prevention, and care for the ill and dying.
Virginia Henderson defined nursing as assisting individuals, whether sick or well, in performing health-related activities they could do independently if they had the requisite strength, will, or knowledge.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
Disease refers to pathological changes in bodily structure or function.
Illness is the individual's response to disease.

Health promotion: Enhance the quality and duration of healthy life.
Illness prevention: Lower risks associated with illness.
Restoring health: Conduct assessments and diagnostic measurements, such as blood pressure checks.
Care of the dying: Aid in coping with disability or the prospect of death.

Caregiver: Provides direct care to patients.
Communicator: Facilitates effective interaction between healthcare providers and patients.
Decision maker: Makes informed choices regarding patient care.
Provider of holistic care: Addresses all aspects of patient wellness.
Advocate: Represents and supports the patient's needs and rights.
Manager of care: Oversees and coordinates patient care delivery.
Teacher: Educates patients and families about health and wellness.
Counselor: Offers emotional support and guidance to patients.
Leader: Takes initiative in nursing practice and contributes to healthcare decisions.
Researcher: Engages in research to advance nursing knowledge and practice.