History and Evolution of Nursing

Dr. walaa Nasr

Objectives By the end of the lecture the student will be able to

identify Historical Overview Florence Nightingale and her accomplishments The Civil War & Nursing Pioneers of Nursing “Practical” Nursing Early Practical Nursing Schools Nursing Education Changes

Objectives (cont’d)

Nursing Education: LP/VNs Nursing Education: RNs Diploma Programs Associate Degree Programs Baccalaureate Degree Programs Nursing Organizations

Historical Overview

Nursing is an ancient profession that has evolved alongside human civilization.

Religion heavily influenced this evolution. During the industrial revolution, scientific

methods became more important.

Florence Nightingale

The founder of modern nursing.

She established the first school for nurses that provided theory-based knowledge and clinical skill-building.

Encouraged the belief that there is a body of nursing knowledge distinct from medical knowledge.

Nightingale’s Accomplishments Demonstrated the value of nursing care in reducing

morbidity rates in the Crimean War

Established the Nightingale School for Nurses at Thomas’ Hospital in London

Advocated the principles of cleanliness and nutrition in promoting health

Developed public awareness of the need for nurses.

The Civil War & Nursing

America’s tragic conflict underscored the need for nursing.

Clara Barton (1821-1912) volunteered her nursing skills and organized the Red Cross in the United States after the war.

Pioneers of Nursing

Lillian Wald: First community health nurse. Isabel Hampton Robb: Founded nursing organizations. Adelaide Nutting: First nurse appointed as university

professor. Lavinia Dock: Author of early textbooks. Mary Breckenridge: Serviced rural America. Mamie Hale: Educator of midwives. Linda Richards: America’s first trained nurse.

“Practical” Nursing

Women who cared for others, but who had no formal education, often called themselves “practical nurses.”

Early Practical Nursing Schools

Ballard School. Opened in 1892 in New York City.

Thompson Practical Nursing School. Established 1907 in Brattleboro, Vermont. Still operating today.

Household Nursing School. Founded in 1918 in Boston.

Nursing Education Changes

The Goldmark Report: Published in 1923, this report concluded that for nursing to be on an equal footing with other disciplines, nursing education should occur in the university setting.

Nursing Education: LP/VNs LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and LVNs

(Licensed Vocational Nurses) work under the supervision of an RN or other licensed provider such as a physician or dentist.

Education is focused on basic nursing skills and direct client care.

Educated in community colleges, hospitals, vocational programs.

Nursing Education: RNs RNs (Registered Nurses) may operate

autonomously and may supervise LP/VNsLVNS.

Education is focused on basic nursing skills and direct client care.

Educated in universities, community colleges, hospitals.

Diploma Programs

Typically 3 years in length and offered by hospitals.

Graduates receive diploma rather than a college degree.

Program emphasizes basic skills particularly suited for hospital clients.

Such programs contribute 6% of nurse graduates.

Associate Degree Programs 2-year program offered through community colleges

or as options at four-year universities.

Graduate receives Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Program stresses basic skill preparation with clinical practice

Such programs contribute 60% of nurse graduates.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs Typically 4 years in length, offered through colleges and

universities.

Graduate receives Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Emphasizes preparation for practice in non- hospital settings, broader scientific content, and systematic problem-solving tools.

Such programs contribute 34% of all nursing graduates.

Nursing Organizations American Nurses Association (ANA)

Purpose: To improve the quality of nursing care. Established 1911. Establishes standards for nursing practice. Establishes a professional code of ethics. Develops educational standards Oversees a credentialing system.

For RNs only.

Nursing OrganizationsNational Association for Practical Nurse Education

and Service, Inc. (NAPNES)

Purpose: To improve the quality, education, and recognition of nursing schools and LP/VNs in the U.S.

Established 1941. Provides workshops, seminars, and continuing-

education programs. Evaluates and certifies continuing-education programs

of others.

For LPs/VNs.

Nursing OrganizationsNational Federation for Nursing

(NFN) Purpose: To identify the nursing needs of society

and to foster programs designed to meet these needs.

Established 1952. Accredits nursing education programs. Conducts surveys to collect data on education

programs. Provides continuing-education programs.

Open to all nurses and non-nurses.