History of Nursing

Study Notes

Nursing has evolved through different eras: early civilizations relied on supernatural beliefs, while the 16th to 19th century marked a shift towards knowledge-based care.
From the 19th to the 21st century, the establishment of nursing schools formalized nursing education and practice.

Nurse: Derived from the Latin word "nutrix."
Florence Nightingale (1860): Defined nursing as utilizing the patient's environment to support recovery.
Virginia Henderson emphasized assisting individuals in performing activities for health and independence, dividing tasks into 14 components.
International Council of Nurses (1972): Defined nursing similarly to Henderson's definition, highlighting the role of the nurse in aiding health activities.

Nursing identified as caring, professional, artistic, scientific, client-centered, holistic, and adaptive.

Focuses on health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and facilitating coping with disability or death.

Qualities include physical fitness, professionalism, honesty, integrity, leadership, critical thinking, assertiveness, good mental health, courteousness, personal ethics, and a positive attitude.

Independent Functions: Activities nurses initiate based on their knowledge.
Dependent Functions: Activities performed under physician orders or protocols.
Collaborative Functions: Activities carried out with other healthcare professionals.

Caregiver: Primary role focused on holistic and comprehensive patient care; utilizes the nursing process to guide interventions.
Teacher: Educates clients on health and self-management; creates individualized teaching plans.
Advocate: Protects client rights and supports informed decision-making regarding health.
Communicator: Essential for maintaining relationships; ensures clear verbal and written communication.
Counselor: Helps clients cope with psychological or social issues; provides knowledge and support.
Change Agent: Facilitates lifestyle modifications and adapts nursing care as needed; initiates and implements change.
Leader: Influences others towards health improvement and organizational goals; must be visionary and articulate.
Manager: Oversees client care and organizational goals; has supervisory responsibilities within healthcare settings.