This document provides an introduction to the field of nursing. It begins with a brief history, noting that nursing has existed since ancient Roman times but became more prominent in Europe during the Middle Ages due to the Catholic church. It then discusses Florence Nightingale's pioneering role in establishing nursing as a respected profession in the 19th century. The rest of the document defines key nursing concepts according to various authorities and outlines the roles, responsibilities, and educational requirements of nurses today on a global scale. It concludes by designating 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife in recognition of their vital contributions to healthcare worldwide.