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. 2009 Apr;57(4):171-4.

What's in a word?

Eileen N Lukes  1 , Elizabeth Lukes Fioritto
Affiliations
  • PMID: 19438083

What's in a word?

Eileen N Lukes et al. AAOHN J. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Words provide meaning to concepts, but misuse of common terms can result in distorted understanding of concepts. Medicine and nursing are separate professions. Medical care and health care are distinct terms that are often used interchangeably. This article discusses terminology in light of the history of nursing, and provides recommendations to occupational health nurses for discussing these concepts with the public and other health professionals.

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