The Future of Nursing“We continue to move forward, opening up new things and doing new things, because we are curious and curiosity continues to guide us along new paths” – Walt Disney (Smith, 2001). Nursing is a growing and constantly evolving profession, which has an ever-increasing impact on the healthcare sector. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that nursing wasn't even considered a profession, and we've come a long way since the pioneering days of Florence Nightingale. Nursing is constantly evolving in terms of opportunities, educational requirements, professional recognition, and advancement of nursing theories. These theories influence the environment, the patient, health, and nursing in general. Nursing theories will continue to evolve and guide us as we continue to explore and learn new ways to improve overall nursing practice not only for the benefit of patients, but also for the future of nursing as a whole. However, when looking at the future of nursing, you must also remember where it began; the foundations of Florence Nightingale and that “If there were no one discontented with what he has, the world would never get any better” (Nightingale, 1859). PersonWhat does it mean to be a “patient” in future healthcare? To answer this question, medical communities, including doctors, nurses, educators, and policymakers, must all agree on the designation of a person/patient and what patient-centered care is. When everyone admits this, then and only then, will it be possible to plan patient-centered care (PCC) for the future? Specifically, as it pertains to nursing and PCC, Cody and Parse believe that the humanbecoming principle is a guide to practice in which nurses are “…with the people” as they improve their own quality of life ( Cody 1994 & Par...... middle of paper ......ch, like life in general, is full of uncertainties, as well as infinite possibilities. As long as nursing continues to grow, there is no. it limits the outcomes that can be achieved in the profession, for not only individual patients, but also the healthcare industry as a whole. Nurses must remember that as they move forward, they will continue to break down barriers and reclaim their need in healthcare teachings of their predecessors. The future of nursing involves great advances in healthcare and technological innovation but, more importantly, the future of nursing must be filled with nurses willing to put their heart and soul into healing the spirit of nursing must carry with them the lessons of the past, while providing their patients with the most qualified nursing care.