Mason, Diana J, Isaacs Stephen L, and Colby David C. The nursing profession: development, challenges and opportunities. Princeton, NJ: Jossey-Bass. 2011. Print.

This book by these three authors is about the nursing and nurses in terms of history of nursing, and the development of the nursing profession. The book has 22 chapters reviewing the history, nature, education, advanced practice, quality and specialties in nursing. In reviewing the history of nursing, the book discusses the role nurses played, in relation to the Florence Nightingale, celebrated for her development of the model of modern nursing; and the starting of the first nursing training institution. In explaining the development of nursing as a profession, the authors have majored about the compassionate care and dedication of Florence Nightingale.

The book also discusses the nature of nursing in relation to the model of care developed by Virginia Henderson. The book considers Virginia Henderson as the most famous nurse in the 20^th century, and discusses nursing in relation to her nursing theory. Every chapter of the book is written by a nurse who gives their professional accounts in the practice. The very last portion of the book focuses on quality nursing care, and the various specialties of the nursing profession.

I very much loved the part of nature of nursing by Virginia Henderson as she talks about the unique function of a nurse, and the doing for a patient what they are not able to do for themselves. This is one part in the book that made me to like this book very much. Also, the whole text discusses nursing at a very professional perspective and clears any doubt a student of nursing may be struggling with. The organization of the book and the presentation of the concepts is very captivating. It has taught me that nursing is a noble profession which is very rewarding in appreciating the joy of saving people’s lives. It has aroused my perception and made me feel that nursing is a good course which I should continue pursuing. It is recommendable to any student or person interested in nursing.