Introduction to Nursing and Nursing Ethics

Introduction to Nursing and Nursing Ethics

• The course introduces nursing and nursing ethics.
• It covers history, definition, aims, education, and agency of nursing.
• Objectives include describing nursing development stages, defining nursing aims, and listing the four nursing aims.

Outline

• History of Nursing: Examines the historical development of the nursing profession.
• Definition of Nursing: Discusses the core principles and purpose of nursing.
• Nursing Aim: Outlines the primary goals of nursing practice.
• Education and Agency: Discusses how nursing education and nursing's role impacts individuals, families, and communities.

History of Nursing

• Nursing originated from a moral basis—the inherent human desire to care for others.
• Early nursing practice was often tied to religious or charitable organizations.
• The Middle Ages (3rd to 15th century) saw monasticism and religious groups providing opportunities for men and women to practice nursing.
• Wealthy individuals in the Roman Empire, particularly Christian women like Fabiola, established institutions to care for the sick and poor.
• The Crusades led to the establishment of health care centers overseen by organizations like the Teutonic Knights and the Knights of Saint Lazarus, who provided nursing care to the injured and ill.
• The Dark Ages (unspecified time period) saw a decline in respect for the nursing profession, with poor or single women often forced into caregiving roles.
• The 19th Century saw significant progress, including the establishment of the first nursing school in Germany in 1836 by Theodor Fliedner.
• Florence Nightingale was a pivotal figure in developing modern nursing, transforming it into a respected and professional field.

History of Nursing (Islamic Period)

• Saidatuna Rufaida Al-Aslamy (RA) established a training school for nurses in the Islamic period (570 - 632 AD).
• It is notable for developing the first code of conduct and ethics, organizing community healthcare, and providing care to the wounded soldiers.
• Her work inspires Saudi women today.

Objectives

• Key objectives are to describe nursing development stages.
• Defined nursing and nursing aims.
• List the four nursing aims.

Definition of Nursing

• Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health; preventing illness and injuries.
• Alleviating suffering through diagnosis and treatment of human responses.
• Advocacy for individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Aims of Nursing

• Health Promotion: Maintaining or improving overall health before problems arise. Strategies may include educating, supporting healthy lifestyle choices, and providing regular exercise and balanced diet plans.
• Prevent Illness: Preventing illness through proactive measures. This includes administering vaccines and screening for diseases.
• Health Restoration: Improving health following health issues. Treatment methods may be necessary interventions.
• Facilities Coping with Disability or Death: Helping individuals and families cope with disability or mortality through teaching and referrals to community support programs. This includes end-of-life care, grief counseling, and pain management.

Nursing Education

• Practical and Vocational Nursing Education: A 1-year program leading to Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) licensure, requiring supervision by a physician during initial practice.
• Registered Nursing Education: A 4-year Bachelor's degree education in nursing, providing preparation for numerous roles, and advanced study.
• Graduate Nursing Education: Includes Master's (1.5-2 years) and Doctoral (PhD, 3-6 years) programs, with roles in leadership, counseling, and research emphasized at different levels.
• Continuing Education (CME/CNE): Programs regularly update nurses on current medical developments and practice methodologies.
• In-service Education: Workplace learning experiences assisting nurses with new skills and procedures.

Nursing Agencies

• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS): Regulates healthcare practices in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Nursing Association (SNA): Advocates for nurses, focusing on professional development, ethics, and professional image.
• Ministry of Health (MOH): Influences healthcare policies, including ethical frameworks for nurses.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Provides global standards and frameworks for nurses worldwide.
• American Nurses Association (ANA): A US organization setting nursing standards, dealing with ethical issues, and advocating for nurses.