Developments in the field of respiratory nursing in Türkiye

Abstract

Nursing plays a critical role in delivering healthcare services. It is a health discipline encompassing both science and art, designed to support people from birth to the end of life, in health and illness. Nurses are required to identify the physical and psychological needs of individuals, families and society with a comprehensive, human-oriented approach and to meet these needs. Nursing provides essential services at every stage of healthcare, from health protection and improvement to disease treatment and rehabilitation. In Türkiye, nursing education is offered at high school, associate and undergraduate levels. Specialisation in a specific branch is possible through Master’s and doctoral studies. However, there is no specialised branch or recognised certificate programme in respiratory nursing. Nurses specialising in respiratory diseases typically work in respiratory or intensive care units. Respiratory nurses play a crucial role in care and treatment management within the multidisciplinary team. This viewpoint provides information about the historical development of nursing, nursing education, and the status and development of respiratory nursing in Türkiye, as well as the efforts by the International Coalition for Respiratory Nursing to recognise respiratory nursing as a specialty worldwide.