History of Nursing and Patient Care

Study Notes

Ancient India featured male nurses in hospitals, while women served as midwives and caregivers within families.
Middle Ages saw nursing as a career predominantly pursued by men and women in monastic and religious settings.
Christian teachings, particularly "love thy neighbor," greatly influenced Western nursing development, rooted in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Wealthy Roman women, such as Marcella, Fabiola, and Paula, provided care houses for the sick and poor in early Christianity.
The Parabola Brotherhood in the third century Rome consisted of men caring for the sick during plagues.

Monasteries were closed, hindering women's roles in nursing; remaining caregivers were often untrained prisoners or prostitutes.
Nursing became a low-status occupation and lacked prestige during this era.

Modern nursing was shaped by significant figures: Ursuline Sisters of Quebec pioneered nurse training, Theodore Flender revived the deaconess movement in Germany, and Elizabeth Fry created the Institute of Nursing Sisters.
Colonialism introduced European healthcare principles to Africa, emphasizing the need for improved health services among both Europeans and Africans.
The Basel Mission in the 19th century evaluated health conditions in regions like the Gold Coast, where European medical staff often succumbed to local diseases.

British nursing sisters were dispatched to India in 1892 to support colonial workers; the Overseas Nursing Association was formed in 1919.
Initial efforts included sending nurses to Madagascar and West Africa to enhance healthcare for Europeans and locals.

Professional development focuses on specialized education, ethics, knowledge, and autonomy.
Key roles of the professional nurse include:
- Care provider: Offering care and comfort with knowledge and sensitivity.
- Communicator: Facilitating effective dialogue to help clients express feelings.
- Teacher: Educating clients based on their needs.
- Counselor: Assisting clients in coping with psychological and social issues.
- Client advocate: Representing the interests and needs of clients.
- Change agent: Initiating and aiding modifications in systems or individuals.
- Leader: Guiding clients towards achieving health goals.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) represents over 1.4 million nurses globally, promoting nursing standards and national associations.
ICN's objectives include enhancing nursing standards, strengthening national associations, and acting as an authoritative voice for nurses worldwide.

The first Commonwealth Nurses Seminar occurred in Ghana in 1974, discussing nursing needs in West Africa.
Themes included collaboration among nurses and resource allocation for nursing improvement.

Nurses pledge to provide care regardless of race, creed, or status, maintain patient dignity, uphold confidentiality, and adhere to professional knowledge and skills.
A midwife's prayer calls for divine guidance in executing duties with compassion and skill.

Nursing professionals are expected to embody strong values, shaped by evolving practices and technology while maintaining a fundamental principle of caring.
Professional values guide ethical behavior and decision-making in healthcare settings.