Nursing Work has been transformed by political economy and women’s struggle. From earliest times, the state established the power of male allopathic practitioners and since the post-war years extended their authority. This served to encourage the collective resistance of many women, who have made significant gains for themselves and for users of the health care system. These gains are now being undermined by cutbacks in state expenditures, new technologies and management strategies.Vital Signs focuses on nursing work, but offers lessons about the state and women’s work that go well beoynd the health care sector.