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Nursing has always been an important part of healthcare, a field of great change and advancement. Nursing has become a respected profession, and we have seen how it has become more specialized, such as oncology nursing, which is now widely seen as one of the most comprehensive specialties in nursing. Over time, nurses have faced numerous challenges and experienced incredible progress in society. This project draws on and analyzes the history of nursing, focusing on the challenges it has overcome, the achievements it has made, and the opportunities it still offers in the future. By studying its past and present, we can see how nursing continues to shape the field of modern healthcare, ensuring more personal and effective care for patients.

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In its early days, nursing faced numerous difficulties that shaped its professional development over the years. In the 19th century, there was no formal education for nurses, and their work was often considered domestic duties, performed primarily by women in private homes. Instead of a structured apprenticeship, many nurses learned by doing rather than through education. During wars like the Crimean War, nurses had to deal with terrible conditions, including unsanitary conditions and supply shortages, which affected both nurses and patients. Florence Nightingale always strove to improve cleanliness and organization during this time, but that didn't prevent them from being exposed to abuse and other difficult situations. Many were judged for their gender. But despite these difficulties, these struggles helped lay the groundwork for nursing to become a widely respected and practiced profession, while also achieving greater recognition and better working conditions.

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Even though nursing has seen many technological advances, nursing staff still face numerous challenges. One of the biggest problems is staffing shortages. This has been worsened by an aging population, which requires more care, and staff burnout caused by stressful working conditions. Nurses often work long hours, care for too many patients at once, and face physically and emotionally stressful situations, which lead to exhaustion and burnout. Another problem we see is that patient care has become more complex. With new technologies and new medical treatments, nurses must continue to learn to stay current and provide the best care. They also face difficult ethical decisions, such as figuring out how to use limited resources or addressing countless patient concerns about their care. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a part in these challenges. Nurses worked under extreme pressure, often lacking sufficient protective equipment or mental health support. And even more so, they worked long hours because they didn't have more staff to replace them when needed. Solving these problems is essential to ensuring that both nursing staff and their patients receive adequate care.

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The future of the nursing field offers opportunities for growth and new ideas. One of the most promising areas is the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, and wearable devices. These tools can help nurses monitor patient health, improve diagnoses, and provide remote care, especially to patients in rural or underserved areas. I see this daily in the department where I work. They use Copilot for medical notes because it helps avoid errors, and they see countless patients via video conference because it offers more flexibility for patients. Another opportunity is the expansion of the roles of nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). As healthcare progresses, we also see how nurses can take on other leadership roles, such as APRNs, and manage patient care themselves. Not to mention other leadership roles that continue to be created over time to give nurses the opportunity to continue growing professionally. By embracing these changes, nursing can continue to evolve and play an important role in shaping the future of healthcare.

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Nursing is a true calling. From its beginnings, nursing has been seen as an essential part of healthcare, although it is a profession that demands dedication and hard work. Years ago, nurses faced many challenges, but these difficulties demonstrated their determination to overcome them and build a solid foundation for this profession. Even now, nurses face many challenges, such as staff shortages, burnout, and the complexity of patient care. These difficulties nurses endured in the past make us see how even the greatest challenges can serve as a foundation for persevering in life, and this is what we continue to see throughout the history of nursing. The future of nursing offers countless opportunities for growth and positive change. New technologies provide better job opportunities to improve patient care.

My dream has always been to be an oncology nurse: to work alongside people battling cancer and support them through one of the most difficult times of their lives. I'm inspired by the resilience of cancer patients and their families, and I want to be there to provide not only medical care but also compassion and understanding. I know nursing is hard work and oncology can be emotionally challenging, but that's precisely what motivates me. The idea of ​​making a difference in someone's life, even in their most vulnerable moments, fills me with purpose and determination. For me, it's more than a profession; it's a way to be there for people when they need it most.

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With steady hands and a tireless heart,

Their care shines day and night.

In every room, in every space,

They bring comfort: a silent gift of grace.

Their compassion shines in everything they do.

With a reassuring voice, they are true angels.

In joy and sadness, they comfort and guide,

Finding their strength in selfless pride.

They give everything for a single smile,

Expecting nothing but always going above and beyond.

Healing is their greatest desire,

the force that ignites hearts and lives.

To the nurses, divine angels,

we owe our gratitude again and again.

For every life they save,

they walk the path to the gates of heaven.

Yazmin Alvarado

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