Changing Definitions of Nursing

The practice of nursing, as is true of every other aspect of health care, is in a state of transition. This research compares and contrasts the definition of nursing practice as stated in the Nursing: A Social Policy Statement (American Nurse's Association, 1980, p. 9) with the definition of nursing as stated in Nursing's Social Policy Statement (American Nurse's Association, 1995, pp. 5-6).

Similarities and Differences, and Significance

The 1980 definition of nursing practice was as follows: "Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems" (American Nurse's Association, 1980, p. 9). The 1995 definition of nursing practice tended to vary to some extent according to the source of the definition; however, Nursing's Social Policy Statement (American Nurse's Association, 1995, pp. 5-6) stated that most such definitions included the following four features as a minimum:

1. Nursing practice pays attention to the full range of human experiences and responses to health and illness without restriction to a problem-focused orientation.

2. Nursing practice integrates objective data with knowledge gained from an understanding of the patient's or group's subjective experience.

3. Nursing practice applies scientific knowledge to the processes of diagnosis and treatment.

4. Nursing practice involves a caring relationship that facilitates health and heali