ANA's Definition of Nursing: A Comprehensive Overview

The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing as:

"The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations."

This definition was adopted by the ANA Board of Directors in 2010 and is based on the International Council of Nurses (ICN) definition of nursing. It emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing, which includes not only the physical aspects of health, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Nursing is also seen as a profession that is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs of society.