History of nursing and professional organization PDF

Running head: HISTORY OF NURSING AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 1
History of nursing and Professional Organizations
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HISTORY OF NURSING AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 2
History of nursing and Professional Organizations
History of Nursing
In antiquity, sick care primarily took place at home and was the responsibility of friends,
neighbors and family members. Across the U.S., family-centered sickness care was prevalent
until the 19th century. Women were expected to offer nursing care to the family members, and
older women were more experienced (Keating, 2014). Nevertheless, the field of nursing took a
different dimension during the Civil War. During the Civil War, women started providing care to
injured and wounded soldiers on the battlefield (Keating, 2014). Even though women were
offering nursing care, formal nursing education was not available. In 1872, the field of nursing
took yet another dramatic turn with the introduction of formal nursing education (Keating, 2014).
The New England Hospital for Women and Children started to teach nursing courses to women
interested in the profession. Importantly, nursing education was based on Nightingale’s
protocols, and students learned for one year. Other three nursing schools were launched in 1873
in New York City, Boston and Hartford due to an increase in the demand for nursing services in
the community (Keating, 2014). Formal education for male nurses was introduced in 1888 in
Bellevue Hospital. Standards in nursing education were introduced in the 19th and 20th century in
most nursing schools (Keating, 2014). In subsequent years, nursing continued to evolve with the
adoption of uniforms and advanced nursing education. Baccalaureate degrees were introduced in
the 1930s and increased significantly by the 1950s (Keating, 2014). Furthermore, associate
degree programs were launched in the mid-1950s because of the need to extend the scope of
nursing practice (Keating, 2014). In essence, nursing has experienced a substantial evolution and
continues to evolve today.
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