Presidential perspectives 2001: nursing issues in the 21st century

It has been said of 20th century nursing that "despite the changes, new technology, the growth as well as the setbacks, at the close of the century, the essence of nursing [had] not changed" (Schorr, 1999). What is the essence of nursing? I believe that it is best summed up in one word-service. This was the moral vision held by Florence Nightingale over a century ago: that nurses and nursing would demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to serving humanity. This great tradition of humanitarian service undergirds our profession today as we face the complexities, the challenges, and the opportunities of nursing in the 21st century. It is now up to us to go forward and create the future we want for ourselves, for our colleagues, for our profession, and for our patients.