Who provided the professional definitions of nursing?

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the organization responsible for providing the professional definitions of nursing. The ANA has established a comprehensive framework that outlines the scope and standards of nursing practice, emphasizing the essential qualities, ethical responsibilities, and key roles of nurses in healthcare settings. Their definitions are rooted in the evolving nature of the profession and reflect both the practical aspects of nursing as well as its theoretical foundations.

The ANA's definition of nursing serves as a guiding document for nursing education, practice, and research, ensuring that all nurses adhere to a consistent understanding of their professional responsibilities and the impact of their work on patient care and public health. This definition helps to shape nursing policies and provides a foundation for licensure and accreditation, making it a cornerstone of the nursing profession.

While other organizations contribute to the understanding of health and nursing practice, it is the ANA that specifically articulates and advocates for the profession of nursing through its defined standards and practices.