ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the development of nursing and describes the role of physician assistants. It evaluates changes in the professionalization of pharmacists and also explains the survival of midwifery. Nursing represents largest single group of health workers in the United States, with over 3 million people employed as licensed registered nurses in 2016. Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for the nature and quality of all nursing care patients receive, as well as for following the instructions of physicians regarding patients. In addition, they supervise practical nurses and other health personnel involved in providing patient care. While males perform nursing tasks, the social role of the nurse has been profoundly affected by its identification with traditionally feminine functions. The role of nursing in Western society was changed in the middle of the nineteenth century through the insight and effort of Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale's ideas formed the basis for establishing the first accredited schools of nursing in the United States.
