Unit 1 foundations of nursing

History of Nursing

• Recognition of nursing history is essential for understanding contemporary practice and the evolution of nursing amid sociocultural, environmental, and political influences.
• Nursing practice has faced numerous challenges in the 21st century, shaped by historical events affecting Canada's position in the global community.
• Early nursing leaders and their contributions significantly influenced nursing development; key figures include Florence Nightingale and Sister Simone Roach.

Contemporary Practice

• Registered Nurses (RNs) promote safe, competent, and ethical care; they lead training programs and mentor new staff.
• Advocacy is a pivotal role for nurses, impacting patient safety and healthcare system reforms highlighted by cases like the Winnipeg surgical deaths.
• Nursing research drives knowledge advancement, with theories forming the backbone for clinical decision-making and practice applications.
• Nursing encompasses both scientific methodologies and artistic connections, balancing empathetic care with empirical evidence.

Evidence-informed Practice

• This practice involves integrating research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to ensure optimal care approaches.

Transition to Professional Learning

• Transitioning into professional nursing education requires strategies for personal success, critical thinking, and accurate academic writing.
• Reflection on professional identity is crucial in supporting career development within nursing.

Significant Historical Contexts

• Thousands of nurses served in WWI and WWII, with significant loss rates and shifts in societal views toward nursing roles.
• Post-war, nursing faced de-professionalization pressures tied to societal expectations of women.

Nursing Education Evolution in Canada

• The first Canadian training school was established in 1878, marking a historical shift from apprenticeship models to formalized education.
• Major milestones include the establishment of the first degree program in 1919 and a gradual progression toward community college diploma programs.

Current Challenges in Canadian Nursing

• Ongoing issues include workforce diversity, gender stereotypes, scope of practice limitations, and nursing shortages.
• The impact of social determinants of health, chronic diseases, and an aging population shapes contemporary nursing practice.

Nursing Theory and Metaparadigm

• Nursing is guided by theories that enhance reasoning and decision-making, with interlinkages between practice and theory development.
• Metaparadigm concepts include the person, environment, health, and nursing, providing a framework for professional practice.

Nursing Ways of Knowing

• Empirical knowledge involves integrating scientific data with clinical assessments to provide patient-centered care.
• Personal knowing fosters self-understanding and empathy through reflective practice.
• Ethical knowing serves as the moral compass, guiding just and appropriate patient care decisions.
• Aesthetic knowing emphasizes the experiential and holistic aspects of patient interactions.

Systems Model of Nursing

• Focuses on prevention: primary prevention aims to mitigate stressor effects; secondary prevention addresses reactions to stressors; tertiary prevention supports recovery post-treatment.

Organizations and Leadership in Nursing

• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) advocates for nursing standards and healthcare policy influence.
• Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) oversees nursing education quality in Canada.
• Nursing leaders such as Dr. Judith Shamian work to advance nursing education and advocate for professional standards.

Key Nursing Theories

• Florence Nightingale emphasized environmental factors in patient recovery.
• Jean Watson's theory centers on the nurse-patient relationship, promoting care and healing.
• Madeleine Leininger highlighted culturally competent care.
• Dorothea Orem's theory addresses self-care capabilities and the nurse's supportive role.
• Virginia Henderson focused on encouraging patient independence in daily activities.
• Hildegard Peplau concentrated on fostering therapeutic nurse-patient interactions.

Survival Guide to Nursing School

• Common feelings of anxiety and overwhelm in nursing school are normal; fostering a positive mindset is crucial.
• Utilize campus support services for academic and emotional assistance.
• Key strategies for success include time management, peer tutoring, and maintaining a balanced life.