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History of NursingNursing developed through the years. From its simplest form of instinctive nursing in the medieval period to the current age of science research and technology, nursing expanded roles and have kept with the ebb of exponential development to reinstate its progressive state in the society (Tinana, 2010). Today nursing is one of the most sought of and respectable profession in health care and in the community.
The timeline of nursing history began in 1633 but the works of Florence Nightingale established and popularized nursing during the 19th century. In 1837, when Nightingale was just 16 years old, she devoted herself to nursing as a way of serving God. In 1844, Nightingale displayed to the world the significant impact of nursing during the Crimean War (1854-1856), caring soldiers and providing the soldiers’ basic hygiene, including wound care, sanitary foods, and clean water (Fitzpatrick & Whall, 2005). During the war and after that, Nightingale reduced human mortality and morbidity, greatly improving the standards of military and public health. From 1860, the influence of Nightingale expanded nursing through the establishment of nursing schools, publications of nursing journals and notes, and the foundation of different nursing organizations and international councils. In 1910, nurses mourn with the death of Florence Nightingale. Death, she confidently had predicted in her final years would not bring rest to the weary, instead, it would undoubtedly be an opportunity for yet more “immense activity” (Bostridge, 2008, p. 519). Known as "the Lady with the Lamp", she became an important figure and left an intensive legacy to nursing. After World War II, more technological advancements appeared, which required more experienced nurses. In the 1950s, the creation of intensive and critical care units formed specialty and advanced practice nurses. The shortage of physicians in rural areas in the 1960s caused the emergence of nurse practitioners’ role. At this time in history, health promotion and disease prevention gains priority more than ever before. During the 20th century, theory development further studied and supported Nightingale’s concepts. More nurses became active in advancing the profession at the same time helping the entire society in health management. At present, professional nurses provide care in a culturally diverse environment. Nurses today are becoming increasingly aware, active, and politically conscious; thus, project more than ever before an image of professional self-respect – the kind of public image nursing needs (Frederickson, 2003). In the current world of advancing medical technology and increasing reinforcements of human rights, nursing is becoming more philosophical. Nursing continues to make changes formulating policies and codes of conduct to support in making ethical decisions in daily nursing practice (Park, 2009). Today, nursing is both the scientific application of knowledge and the application of the ethics of care. Current nursing involves not just the science, but the caring, moral, and ethical manner in preserving health and human dignity. |