Nursing is a health care profession that "integrates the art and science
of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health
and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of
healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence". Nurses
practice in many specialties with varying levels of certification and
responsibility. Nurses comprise the largest component of most healthcare
environments. Shortages of qualified nurses are found in many countries.
Nurses develop a plan of care, working collaboratively with physicians,
therapists, patients, patients' families, and other team members that focuses
on treating illness to improve quality of life.