Nursing is a service, which includes administration to the sick, care of the patient on a whole – his mind as well as body, the care of the patient’s environment (physical as well social), health education and health services to the individual, family and society for the prevention of disease, and promotion of health.

A long time ago Miss Florence Nightingale wrote that nursing has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicine and application of policies. It also includes proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, and proper selection of diet.

The word Nursing comes from the word ‘Nutritious’ – meaning nourish, to protect, to support.

In the 19th century, Miss Nightingale provided definite rules for the preparation of nurses. She was given the necessary training in the training school. Towards the end of the 19th century Miss Nightingale provided leadership and set a pattern which is the basic of nursing education even today.