Nursing is unique in that it's interests centre on health and wellness as well as on disease and illness, and combines elements of compassion with a strong concern for the quality of care for patients in hospitals, in the home and in the community. Working in a variety of contexts, independently or in teams, nurses share with people, the happiest as well as the most tragic moments of their lives. Nurses are central to the health care team which includes doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists and others who provide patient-centred services. Historical images of nurses are disappearing in line with the changing nature of the work that nurses perform in a sophicated health care environment. The modern nurse is educated, caring clinically competent and computer literate.
Nurses manage the contexts in which care and treatment occurs.
They are skilled in the management of people, finances and health care facilities. Nursing is a rewarding career and is accepted in countries throughout the world as an effective and admirable profession valued by the many and varied communities in which nurses practice. The Monash Bachelor of Nursing degree prepares the student for beginning level practice and is recognised across Australia and in countries all over the world. Nurses graduating after the year 2000 will still be practising half way through the next century. Despite what many people think, nurses' financial reward structures campare favourably with other health, legal and business professions.