This essay will explore how nursing has developed, and which assets nurses should have for the effective practice of their profession.Early nursing was largely influenced by the military and nurses were not paid for their efforts (Brooker & Waugh 2007, p. 2). The history of modern nursing can be traced back to the 1800s when Florence Nightingale developed the first professional nursing training organisation. In the case of Australia, the arrival of Lucy Osburn to Sydney recorded the beginning of a remarkable nursing reform (Crisp & Taylor 2009, p. 3). More recently, the technological revolution and educational reform have led to a more systematic nursing training program, along with hospital training being turned into tertiary nursing programs (Bloomfield 1999). Unreasonable health reforms led to nursing shortages which highlighted significant challenges; however, they emphasised the need for experienced and well-educated nursing staff (Crisp & Taylor 2009, p. 7).In addition, for client well-being, nurses need to be aware of and involved in the political processes having influencing the health care system (Ellis & Hartley 2008). Furthermore, changes in nursing have expanded the nursing role to caregiver, teacher, communicator, as well as manager. Today, more than ever nurses must commit themselves to lifelong learning in the many facets of nursing to provide clients with the state-of-art care they need; whilst balancing the art and science of nursing (Crisp & Taylor 2009, pp. 8-9). Most of all, practising ethically is moreimportant thanpractising technically to provide the best care for patients emotionally and spiritually (Evans & Tippins 2008, p. 17).In conclusion, I feel I have gained a better understanding of how nurses perform a multifunctional role within the community and within the profession. Moreover, not only obtaining technical skills, but also having a holistic responsibility of caring is a key factor in becoming a qualified nurse.List of referencesBloomfield, J 1999, ‘The Changing Image of Australian Nursing’,Nursing Monograph, n.d., viewed 17 Mar 2010,.Brooker, C & Waugh, A 2007, Foundations of nursing practice - fundamentals of holistic care, Mosby, Sheffield, UK.Crisp, J & Taylor, C (eds.) 2009, Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of nursing, 3rd edn, Elsevier, Sydney.Ellis, J & Hartley, C 2008, Nursing in today’s world, 9th edn, Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia, USA.Evans, C & Tippins, E 2008, Foundations of nursing : An integrated approach, Mcgraw-hill Education, UK.