Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the detail-oriented care of individuals, families, and communities in attaining, maintaining, and recovering optimal health and functioning. A nurse follows the directions of a doctor, and typically provide anything from basic triage care to assistance in serious trauma care and surgery.

Modern definitions of nursing describe it as a science and an art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by populations, communities, families, and individuals, throughout their life experiences from birth through the end of life.