The development of nursing education in Iran.

The main purpose of this article is to provide some insight into the underlying social and cultural forces that, over the centuries, have influenced the development of nursing education and the nursing profession in Iran. There is increasing consensus concerning major dimensions along which the role of nurse has changed and continues to change. This article has four parts describing the history of nursing education in the country, nursing education at present, the expansion of nursing education, and a review of the current challenges and issues facing nursing and nursing education in Iran.