Nursing is not just a career; it is a way a life. Nursing is both an art form and a science, which requires practice and evolvement. A nurse encompasses key characteristics and assumes specific roles in patient care. All of these factors come together to provide the most important nursing duty; patient centered care.

Patients are the center of everything nurses do. Holistic care is provided, taking into consideration physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs. Taking consideration of a patient as a while, rather than diagnoses, allow nurses to provide individualized care. While providing care nurses must be non-judgmental and remain ethical at all times. Some of the characteristics a nurse possesses include compassion, listening skills, desire to help others and empathy.

Nurses assume different roles in patient care, often simultaneously. Some of these roles include patient advocate, communicator and educator. Nurses are the patient’s voice. They ensure the patient’s wishes are followed, concerns are heard and best interests kept in mind. As a communicator the nurse obtains and provides information to the patient, caretaker and physicians. A nurse also acts as an educator by providing patient teaching about diagnoses, medications and wellness. These key nursing roles are crucial in providing care and helps build trust with the patient.

Nursing is a field full of specialties, however the framework for every nurse remains the same. I truly believe that nursing is a calling. A nurse does not just care for patients, a nurse cares for individuals.