History of Nursing Profession Essay Example
History of Nursing Profession Essay Example

History of Nursing Profession Essay Example

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  • Published: April 26, 2017
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The nursing profession has a historical background that traces back to the era when both nuns and the military provided nursing services. Florence Nightingale is recognized as the pioneer of modern nursing, establishing the fundamental principles of professional nursing. Nightingale believed that nursing entails taking responsibility for an individual's well-being by comprehending how to promote good health or aid in recovering from illness (Crisp;Taylor,2009).

The religious and military roots of modern nursing are still evident in various countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, senior female nurses are called "sisters." A significant milestone in nursing history occurred during wartime. Florence Nightingale, an English nurse, played a vital role in improving soldiers' welfare during the Crimean War. Her book 'Notes on Nursing' established the fundamental principles of professional nursing.

Several notable nurses had a sig

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nificant impact on the nursing profession. Mary Seacole served as a nurse in the Crimea, while Agnes Elizabeth Jones and Linda Richards established respected nursing schools in the United States and Japan. In 1873, Linda Richards became America's first formally educated nurse after graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. On September 12, 1901, New Zealand took the lead by introducing national regulations for nurses through the Nurses Registration Act.

Ellen Dougherty was the pioneering registered nurse in New Zealand. In 1903, North Carolina became the first state in the United States to establish a law requiring nursing licenses. During the 1990s, nurses gained the ability to prescribe medications, request diagnostic and pathology tests, and refer patients to other healthcare professionals when necessary. The United States Army introduced nurses during the Revolutionary War at the urging of a general wh

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recommended recruiting female nurses to attend to sick individuals and follow instructions from the matron.

A proposal was presented to the Second Continental Congress in July 1775. This proposal suggested having one nurse for every ten patients and assigning a matron to every hundred sick or wounded. Nurses have faced challenges with the medical hierarchy, which has created a perception that their main role is to obey physicians' orders. Nightingale's Notes on Nursing, however, deviates from this pattern as it rarely mentions physicians and when it does, it is often in a negative light, especially regarding their bedside manner.

In the early 1900s, autonomous schools run by nurses were replaced by hospitals which discouraged formal education. Nursing was seen as a way for hospitals and doctors to exploit women for cheap labor. Nurses were controlled by the medical field. However, in the modern era, nursing has developed degrees and numerous journals to expand the profession's knowledge base.

Nurses play important roles in management within health services and also hold research positions at universities.
Before the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, women engaged in nursing typically belonged to religious orders or worked as domestic servants. They had a lowly social status and provided care for the sick either in private homes or at charitable hospitals that served the less fortunate.
Florence Nightingale's work to enhance nursing standards in the mid-19th century sparked greater interest in improving the profession for the benefit of patients, especially in military environments.

In 1860, Queen Victoria ordered the construction of the Royal Victoria Hospital as a result of Florence Nightingale's work. The hospital, located in Netley, aimed to provide training for Army

nurses and surgeons, and started admitting military patients in 1863. Military General Hospitals began formally appointing nurses in 1866. The Army Nursing Service (ANS) took charge of overseeing the nurses' work from 1881 onwards. These nurses were deployed overseas during various conflicts, such as the First Boer War (1879-1881), the Egyptian Campaign in 1882, and the Sudan War (1883-1884). For the Sudan War, members of the Army Nursing Service cared for patients in hospital ships on the Nile and at the Citadel in Cairo. Over 2000 nurses, including those from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand colonial armies, served in tented field hospitals during the second Boer War (1899-1902). Unfortunately, 23 Army Nursing sisters from Britain lost their lives to disease outbreaks. Medical pioneers also established formal nursing schools on different continents, contributing to sporadic progress.

During the 1870s, women from the working class who worked in urban hospitals in North America were usually untrained. They held a low status in both the medical profession and society as a whole. Likewise, nursing had a similar position before World War I in Great Britain and Europe. The United States and Canada took the initiative to implement Nightingale's training model in their hospital nursing schools. Between the 1880s and 1890s, there was a noticeable improvement in standards for classroom and on-the-job training, accompanied by an expectation for professional behavior.

At the start of World War I, women in Britain had limited involvement in military nursing. The Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) was established in 1902 and the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service was established in 1918, with approximately 10,500 nurses enlisted. These services received backing from

the royal family. Additionally, there were Red Cross-enrolled Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses who also made contributions. The establishment of these new nursing services resulted in the introduction of ranks such as Matron-in-Chief, Principal Matron, Sister, and Staff Nurses.

Throughout the War, women steadily joined the effort. By the end of 1914, the QAIMNS had 2,223 regular and reserve members, but when the war concluded, this number had increased to 10,404 trained nurses. In World War I, Canadian nurses who volunteered to serve were made commissioned officers by the Royal Canadian Army before being sent overseas. This granted them authority in the ranks, ensuring that enlisted patients and orderlies would have to comply with their direction. Granting women this privilege was a historic move, making Canada the first country in the world to do so.

Initially, nurses in the War were not sent to casualty clearing stations near the front lines, where they would face the danger of shell fire. Instead, they were initially placed in hospitals located at a safer distance away from the front lines. However, as the war went on, nurses were eventually assigned to these close-to-the-front stations. This meant they were exposed to shelling and had to care for soldiers experiencing "shell shock" and those suffering from the effects of new weapons like poisonous gas. Lights Out! A Canadian Nursing Sister’s Tale, written by Katherine Wilson-Sammie, provides recollections of this challenging experience.

World War I marked the first instance of an enemy submarine or torpedo boat deliberately attacking and sinking a clearly-marked hospital ship evacuating wounded soldiers. This act, which was previously regarded as unthinkable, happened more than once (as detailed in the List

of hospital ships sunk in World War I). Sadly, nurses were among the casualties. The Canadian army was inundated with applications from Canadian women who wanted to volunteer as nurses for overseas service. The Canadian Army Medical Corps had a total of 3,141 Canadian "nursing sisters," with 2,504 serving overseas in England, France, and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Gallipoli, Alexandria, and Salonika.

In World War I, a total of 46 Canadian Nursing Sisters lost their lives. These nurses served in various capacities, with some being part of the military forces and others volunteering with organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Victorian Order of Nurses, and St. John Ambulance. Notably, these brave individuals funded their own journey to serve during the war. It is crucial to emphasize that the sacrifices made by these nurses had far-reaching effects on women's suffrage movements in countries involved in the conflict.

During World War II, the nursing profession underwent significant changes. The Canadian Army nursing sisters were among the first women worldwide to gain voting rights in a federal election. This was made possible by the Military Voters Act of 1917, which extended voting rights to women in service, including Nursing Sisters. According to Campbell (1984), there has been a longstanding tension within the nursing profession between providing tender loving care and being highly skilled specialists. However, this tension was partially resolved during the war as the military prioritized well-trained and efficient specialists.

In military units, female nurses were supervised by male doctors who held officer positions. Conversely, female nurses also held officer positions and oversaw numerous enlisted men. Enlisted medics faced challenges in becoming officers and had no opportunity to

become nurses. Interestingly, it took several years before male nurses were introduced into the American military.

Army and Navy nursing had great appeal, leading to a higher percentage of nurses willingly joining the service compared to any other occupation in the United States. In response, there was a significant rise in both the quantity and responsibilities of nurses. Additionally, there was a slight increase in their pay rates. This growth was made possible by the Red Cross training 200,000 nurse aides and the establishment of the Cadet Nurse Corps, a temporary government agency that expedited training for 170,000 young women across the nation's 1200 nursing schools.

About 5% of the Cadet nurses and Army nurses were black. However, the Navy did not allow black nurses until it was compelled by the White House to admit a few towards the war's end. The black Army nurses served in all-black units and provided medical services to prisoners of war. During the war, the portrayal of nurses in Hollywood movies like "Cry 'Havoc'" greatly contributed to their positive public perception, depicting them as selfless heroes facing enemy fire.

Some nurses were captured by the Japanese, but most of them were kept out of danger and stationed at home. However, 77 nurses were sent to the Pacific jungles and had to wear khaki slacks, mud-covered shirts, field shoes, and fatigues. In Europe, there were 20,000 nurses who were stationed safely behind the lines. They had two missions: to provide technical nursing services to military hospitals and to train male Army medics and male pharmacy mates in the Navy.

These men were responsible for frontline nursing care and also served as staff in homefront

hospitals, where nurses directly oversaw them. The medical services were extensive operations, with over 600,000 soldiers and a nurse-to-enlisted men ratio of ten to one. The majority of doctors were male, while women doctors were only permitted to examine the WAC. Nurses were not present in forward medical units, where emergency surgery took place. Instead, they worked in evacuation hospitals further away from the battlefield, primarily supervising medics and Navy pharmacy mates.

The nurse’s role became more flexible and autonomous the closer they were to the front. However, despite their desire to be closer, the women lacked the influence to challenge the Pentagon’s protective stance. Until 1942, access to the military was managed by the American Red Cross, which was overseen by civilian men with expertise in social work and fundraising. As a result of the war, new leaders emerged with command skills, experience navigating complex bureaucracies, a taste for equal pay and officer status, and greater autonomy within the military medical system.

The demand for autonomy increased among military nurses as they learned and utilized the latest trauma and medical techniques and technologies in crisis situations. This led to the validation of their new technical skills. Upon their return home, these nurses became renowned experts in blood transfusion and the application of new drugs such as penicillin. They took advantage of the previously powerless American Nurses Association to assume control of the nursing profession. In World War II, nurses in Britain belonged to Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS), as they did in World War I and still do today. Informally referred to as "QA"s, members of the QAIMNS served in various military campaigns overseas

during the war and at military hospitals in Britain. Initially, nurses held officer status without being commissioned officers. However, in 1941, emergency commissions were implemented and a rank structure was established to align with the rest of the British Army. Nurses were then granted rank badges and the opportunity for promotion from Lieutenant to Brigadier.

Nurses, including those who were captured and became prisoners of war, faced various dangers during the War. Germany had a well-organized nursing service with three main organizations: one for Catholics, one for Protestants, and the DRK (Red Cross). In 1934, the Nazis established their own nursing unit called the Brown Nurses, which incorporated one of the smaller groups and increased its membership to 40,000. As part of their effort to influence the younger German population, the Brown Nurses also established kindergartens, competing with the other nursing organizations.

Civilian psychiatric nurses who were members of the Nazi party actively took part in the execution of individuals deemed invalids, though this operation was obscured through the use of indirect language and denial. The DRK, a medical organization that fell partially under Nazi influence, primarily handled military nursing. Male medics and doctors were responsible for delivering medical aid at the front lines. Red Cross nurses played a significant role in military medical services, working in hospitals situated near the front lines and facing the constant danger of bombings. Remarkably, twenty-four of these nurses were recognized with the prestigious Iron Cross for their bravery in the midst of combat.

Registered nurses (RNs) in Germany, numbering 470,000 women, serve in various specialties and work environments. They perform essential duties including patient treatment, education on medical conditions to both

patients and the public, offering guidance and emotional support to families of patients. Documenting medical histories and symptoms, helping with diagnostic tests and analysis of results, operating medical equipment, administering treatment and medications are also part of their responsibilities. Additionally, they assist with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.

Registered nurses (RNs) provide education to patients and their families regarding illness or injury management, which includes post-treatment home care instructions, dietary and exercise plans, and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also offer support and guidance to relatives of critically ill patients. The goal of RNs is to improve overall wellness by educating the public about different disease indicators and symptoms, as well as directing them towards appropriate resources for assistance. Furthermore, RNs may arrange general health screenings or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars that focus on a range of medical conditions.

RNs can choose to specialize in different patient care specialties, which fall into four main categories. These categories include specialization based on work setting or type of treatment, disease, ailment, or condition, organ or body system type, or population. RNs have the opportunity to specialize in multiple areas depending on their personal interests and employer requirements. They may specialize in a specific work setting or type of care. An example is ambulatory care nurses who provide outpatient treatment for patients with various illnesses and injuries in physicians' offices or clinics.

Various types of nurses offer care in different settings. For instance, ambulatory care nurses employ electronic communication media like videoconferencing or the Internet to provide care and guidance. In contrast, critical care nurses focus on hospital units that handle cardiovascular, respiratory, or pulmonary failure.

Furthermore, emergency or trauma nurses operate in hospital emergency departments where they attend to patients with life-threatening conditions stemming from accidents, heart attacks, and strokes.

Flight nurses, holistic nurses, home health care nurses, and hospice and palliative care nurses offer unique medical services to specific patient groups. Flight nurses specialize in caring for patients who need helicopter transportation to a nearby medical facility. Holistic nurses use treatments like acupuncture, massage, aroma therapy, and biofeedback to address physical health as well as mental and spiritual well-being. Home health care nurses provide in-home care for patients recovering from surgery, accidents, or childbirth. Hospice and palliative care nurses concentrate on supporting and alleviating pain for terminally ill patients outside of hospital environments.

Infusion nurses, long-term care nurses, medical-surgical nurses, and occupational health nurses have unique responsibilities in patient care. Infusion nurses focus on administering medications, fluids, and blood via injections into patients' veins. Long-term care nurses provide ongoing medical services to individuals with chronic physical or mental conditions. Medical-surgical nurses deliver vital medical care to diverse patients in various healthcare settings. Lastly, occupational health nurses address work-related injuries and illnesses while assisting employers in identifying workplace hazards and establishing health and safety protocols.

Perianesthesia nurses administer care to patients both before and after surgery while they are under anesthesia. Perioperative nurses aid surgeons by selecting and managing surgical instruments, controlling bleeding, and closing incisions. Some of these nurses specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Psychiatric nurses focus on treating patients with mood and personality disorders. Radiologic nurses provide care for patients undergoing diagnostic radiation procedures like ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging.

Rehabilitation nurses offer care to patients with temporary or permanent disabilities,

aiding in their recovery and restoration of independence. Alternatively, transplant nurses attend to both transplant recipients and living organ donors, while also monitoring for signs of organ rejection. Registered Nurses (RNs) specializing in specific diseases, illnesses, or conditions can practice in diverse settings like physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, home health care agencies, and hospitals. One instance of specialized nursing is addiction nursing, where nurses assist individuals seeking assistance with alcoholism, drug dependency, or tobacco addiction.

Developmental disabilities nurses provide support to individuals with physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities. They assist with tasks such as feeding and maintaining bodily functions while also promoting independence in sitting or standing.

Diabetes management nurses help individuals with diabetes effectively manage their condition. They educate patients about nutrition, demonstrate blood sugar testing techniques, and teach proper administration of insulin injections.

Genetics nurses have a crucial role in identifying and treating patients with genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.

The field of patient care is divided into several specialties, including HIV/AIDS nursing, oncology nursing, and wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. Each specialty focuses on different aspects of patient care. HIV/AIDS nurses specialize in providing care for patients with HIV and AIDS. Oncology nurses are dedicated to caring for patients with cancer and administering radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses primarily treat individuals with wounds resulting from traumatic injury, ulcers, or arterial disease. Additionally, they offer postoperative care for patients who use alternative methods of waste elimination. These skilled professionals also provide treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence.

Specialized registered nurses (RNs) are commonly located in specialty physicians' offices, outpatient care facilities, or hospital units that specialize in specific organs or

body systems. For instance, cardiac and vascular nurses cater to patients with coronary heart disease and those who have undergone heart surgery, providing services such as postoperative rehabilitation. In contrast, dermatology nurses focus on the treatment of patients with skin disorders like skin cancer and psoriasis.

Gastroenterology nurses specialize in caring for patients with digestive and intestinal disorders, including ulcers, acid reflux disease, and abdominal bleeding. They have expertise in conducting endoscopic procedures using a tube that has a light and camera to examine the gastrointestinal tract and capture images of affected tissue.

Gynecology nurses provide care for women who have reproductive system disorders such as endometriosis, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Nephrology nurses offer care to patients who are dealing with kidney disease caused by factors like diabetes, hypertension, or substance abuse.

Neuroscience nurses specialize in providing care for patients with dysfunctions of the nervous system, such as brain and spinal cord injuries and seizures. Ophthalmic nurses focus on caring for patients with eye disorders, including blindness and glaucoma, as well as those who undergo eye surgery. Orthopedic nurses specialize in the care of patients with muscular and skeletal problems, which may include arthritis, bone fractures, and muscular dystrophy. Otorhinolaryngology nurses specialize in caring for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders like cleft palates, allergies, and sinus disorders.

Respiratory nurses specialize in providing care for patients with respiratory disorders, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. Meanwhile, urology nurses focus on the treatment of patients with kidney, urinary tract, and male reproductive organ issues. This includes infections, kidney and bladder stones, and different types of cancers.
Registered Nurses (RNs) can also specialize in delivering preventive and acute

care across various healthcare settings for specific groups of people. These specialties may include neonatology for newborns, pediatrics for children and adolescents, adult care, as well as gerontology or geriatrics for the elderly.

Registered nurses (RNs) have the chance to provide basic healthcare in non-healthcare settings such as correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and the military. Some RNs also travel nationally and internationally to offer care in regions experiencing a shortage of medical professionals. Most RNs work as staff nurses, collaborating with doctors, surgeons, and other medical practitioners to deliver vital healthcare services. However, some RNs choose advanced practice nursing roles where they are recognized as primary healthcare providers and may work independently or alongside physicians.

Within the nursing profession, different specialties have clinical nurse specialists who provide patient care and expert consultations. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patients' vital signs during surgery, and offer post-anesthesia care. Nurse midwives focus on delivering primary care for women, including performing gynecological exams, providing family planning guidance, offering prenatal care, assisting during labor and delivery, as well as providing neonatal care. Lastly, nurse practitioners play a crucial role in delivering preventive healthcare to patients and are increasingly taking on the roles of primary and specialty care providers in medically underserved areas.

Nurse practitioners have a range of specializations, including family practice, adult practice, women's health, pediatrics, acute care, and gerontology. However, there are many other specialties to choose from. In most States, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications. Some nursing positions may not require direct patient interaction but still require an active RN license. Case managers play a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive medical care for individuals with severe injuries and

illnesses. This includes determining the appropriate treatment type, location, and duration.

Forensics nurses provide medical care and conduct investigations for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or accidental death. Infection control nurses are responsible for identifying, tracking, and managing infectious outbreaks in healthcare facilities. They also develop strategies for preventing outbreaks and respond to biological terrorism threats. Additionally, they staff immunization clinics. Legal nurse consultants support lawyers in medical cases by conducting patient and witness interviews, organizing medical records, assessing damages and costs, locating evidence, and providing legal teams with medical expertise.

Nurse administrators oversee nursing staff, manage work schedules and budgets, and maintain inventories of medical supplies. Nurse educators instruct student nurses and provide ongoing education for registered nurses. Nurse informaticists gather, store, and analyze nursing data to enhance efficiency, minimize risk, and improve patient care. Registered nurses may also work as healthcare consultants, public policy advisors, pharmaceutical and medical supply researchers and salespeople, as well as medical writers and editors.

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