Development In Nursing: Historical Development Of Nursing

Historical Development of Nursing

Karen Lund

NUR513

May 12, 2014

Dolores Diehl

Historical Development of Nursing

Nursing dates back to ancient times when nursing was assigned, sometimes even before birth, based on a “sign”. Women cared for the sick and injured because of their nurturing capabilities with their own children. Other societies had white witches, shamans, medicine men and women. Patient care was learned through mentorship, oral customs and trial and error (Engenes, n.d. p.1).

Deaconess Fabiola started the first Christian Hospital in Rome. Nurses, usually impoverished women or those seeking protection, carried out their charity work in exchange for care by the “mother house”. Typically run by nuns and monks, these early hospitals took care of travelers, the destitute or the shunned. Hotel Dieu in Paris is run by Augustinian sisters. It was founded in 651 AD by the bishop of Paris. (Engenes, n.d.p.3). Today it sits right next to Notre Dame Cathedral and has an unbroken record of care. I’ve been through it’s ER and stayed in it’s hotel for healthcare workers. Beds were shared feet to head without regard for diagnosis. In the 14th and 15th centuries almshouses were used to house the poor, invalid or elderly. During the Protestant Reformation in England, monasteries and convents closed, care of the sick fell to family members or “common women” (Engenes, n.d.p.3).

The history of nursing really didn’t turn until the 19th century when the sisters of charity formed and did elementary education in nursing through observation. Times of war have held marked improvements in the science of nursing. In Crimean war, more British soldiers died from disease than their wounds. Florence Nightingale noted the French had nun’s ...

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...evising these theories. The 90’s furthered research and the testing of theories. Standardized nursing languages NIC and NOC became accepted. Electronic Medical records were just starting and data base access was available. Many mid-range theories were guiding practice of the research, theory, practice cycle promoting EBP. In 1992 Meleis predicted that 6 characteristics of the discipline of nursing would direct theory development in the 21st century and she was correct, they’re still around today (George p13).

The new millennium evaluated theories for weaknesses by using analysis and evaluation. The innovative pioneers were putting their necks out there the develop the science of nursing. Johnson and Webber (2005) proposed critique using a criteria based model that supports respectful and responsible evaluation to further nurture nursing theory (George, 2011).