NURSING WAS NOT ALWAYS A RESPECTED PROFESSION! | A BRIEF HISTORY OF NURSING

Summary

In this informative video, Nursemaster Charlie delves into the rich history of nursing, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a highly respected profession. Highlighting key figures like Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized nursing education and practice, the video also touches on the struggles and triumphs that shaped the nursing profession. From early care by women and shamans to formal training and the impact of wars, this overview invites viewers to appreciate the journey of nursing and its pivotal role in healthcare.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nursing is considered a highly respected profession with a rich history of evolution and development.
• 🎓 The term 'nurse' has evolved from its Latin root 'nutri', which originally meant to suckle, to its modern definition of a trained caregiver.
• 👶 Historically, the primary caregivers were often mothers or women, who later transitioned into caring for the sick.
• 🏥 In the early Middle Ages, hospitals were established by religious orders, with monks and nuns providing most of the care.
• 🔄 The Reformation in Europe led to the decline of religious hospitals and a shift in the perception of nursing as a low-status profession.
• 👩‍⚕️ Theodore Fliedner opened the first semi-secular nursing training facility in Kaiserworth, Germany, in the 1830s, marking a significant step in nursing education.
• 🌟 Florence Nightingale is a pivotal figure in modern nursing, known for her philanthropy, education, and the establishment of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.
• 📚 The growth of nursing schools in the U.S. accelerated from the 1870s to the 1900s, with a significant increase in the number of institutions offering nursing education.
• 🏛 The American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing were instrumental in formalizing nursing licensing and standardizing education.
• 💼 Clara Barton, known as the 'Angel of the Battlefield', was crucial in the formation of the American Red Cross, which has a significant impact on nursing and humanitarian work.
• 📈 The advancement of technology and medicine has driven the need for nurses to continually advance their education and clinical skills.
• 🎖️ Wars, particularly World Wars I and II, have historically influenced the demand and perception of nursing, leading to periods of both shortage and growth in the profession.

Q & A

Why is nursing considered a respected profession today?

Nursing is considered a respected profession today due to the historical contributions of many nurses who have worked to make it honorable and respected. Their efforts in caring for patients and advancing the profession have shaped its esteemed status in society.

What is the role of a nurse according to the script?

A nurse is someone trained in the skills of physically, psychologically, and physiologically caring for patients. They also need to have an inherent caring heart, which is not something they are trained for but rather something they must possess.

What does the script suggest about the importance of learning from nursing history?

The script suggests that learning from nursing history is crucial to better shape the future of the profession. Understanding how far nursing has evolved can provide insights into its development and the potential paths it may take.

What was the term used in Latin for 'nurse' and what did it originally mean?

The Latin term for 'nurse' was 'nutri,' which originally meant 'to suckle,' as in a baby suckling on their mother's breast for milk.

How did the definition of 'nurse' evolve from the 16th century to the present day?

In the 16th century, 'nurse' began to be defined as a person trained to care for the sick or infirm, and as a verb meaning to give medical attention. It also retained the verb form related to feeding a baby at the breast.

What was the status of nursing during the period after the Middle Ages and before formal training was established?

During this period, nursing was considered a low-status profession. Nurses were often referred to as 'wayward,' and women who committed crimes were sometimes given the choice to become nurses or go to jail.

Who was Theodore Fliedner and what was his contribution to nursing?

Theodore Fliedner was a German pastor who opened the Deaconess Home and Hospital in Kaiserworth, Germany, in the 1830s. This was the first semi-secular nursing training facility and marked a significant step in the formal education of nurses.

What impact did Florence Nightingale have on the nursing profession?

Florence Nightingale set the stage for modern nursing. She was a philanthropist, highly educated, and passionate about elevating the nursing profession. She promoted collegial relationships with physicians, used statistics and research to improve patient care, and started the Nightingale Training School for Nurses, which influenced nursing education worldwide.

How did the number of nursing schools in the United States grow from the 1870s to 1900?

In the 1870s, there were about 10 nursing schools in the United States. By the 1880s, this number grew to about 35, and by 1900, there were approximately 423 nursing schools.

What was the role of Lillian Wald in the development of public health nursing?

Lillian Wald was instrumental in developing school nursing and public health nursing in the late 1800s. She was a pioneer in bringing nursing services to communities and advocating for public health initiatives.

How did the Bolton Act of 1943 influence the nursing profession?

The Bolton Act of 1943 made the nursing profession more accessible by mandating standards for nursing education programs and removing discrimination based on ethnicity, race, marital status, and gender. It helped elevate nursing education from an apprenticeship model to a more scientific and professional preparation.