Mary Seacole African American Nursing

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Caregiver, Educator, and Advocator are a few seemingly universal terms used to describe a Nurse. Known as the protection, promotion and optimization of health abilities, Nurses save and improve lives as front line members of the health care delivery team. Nursing should not be limited to one particular area, nor should it be limited to a specific race or culture. Yet disparities in the mid-nineteenth century health care provided compelling evidence that issues of race and other ethnic minorities persisted within our society. Historical experiences of African Americans has been represented by the institution of slavery, segregation and the dehumanization of African- Americans. Nonetheless, we have come a long way in bridging the segregated …show more content…

The nursing profession was in flux, the qualities displayed by Seacole are relevant for nurses today as they were in the 1850s. She demonstrated empathy and tenderness throughout her care. As nurses we must have patience as well as a nurturing spirit. Seacole understood the alleviation of pain and home-sickness, she was aware of the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the dying. Furthermore, Seacole was extremely hard working with a great sense of humor. Similar to a nurse in today’s society, Mary Seacole possess the ability to observe and respond quickly to patients in need of care. She demonstrated leadership throughout her career, especially when she took command to treat the cholera epidemic in Central America (Anionwu).
Interdisciplinary collaboration improves quality of health. In the healthcare system this practice is becoming widely adapted. Seacole clarified the need for nurses to work well with other health professionals in order to get the best result for her patients. She worked alongside many doctors in Jamaica and Panama to prove the importance of cleanliness in hospitals and homes. Adequate nutrition and hydration is as important for nursing today as recognized by Seacole in the Victorian era …show more content…

I have always dreamt of becoming a nurse for I always long to help others during their most vulnerable times. Mary Seacole remains a beacon and shining light of hope. Her journey to achieve ambition, illustrates her as a traveling nurse in today’s society. Originating from Monrovia Liberia, I know firsthand the effect a shattered healthcare system has on an individual as well as a Nation. The lack of proper health education in my country has led to many preventable deaths. Similar to Mary Seacole, my search for proper education in my chosen field required me to travel outside my country. I have encounter many obstacles, however I have continuously demonstrated to myself as well as others that nursing is my chosen field and nothing will hinder me from achieving my

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