NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century

NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century Purpose This week's graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs). • CO2 Use lessons from nursing history to integrate clinical judgment into professional nursing practice (PO 4) • CO3 Demonstrate responsibility for continued professional growth by exploring the nursing and lay literature related to historical nursing practice (PO 5) Discussion There was much progress in nursing during the early to middle part of the 20th century (1900 through the late 1930s). After reading the textbook and the lesson for this week, describe one area of change in nursing during that time period that intrigues you. Discuss how that area could be applied today. During the first decade of the 1900s, the school nursing program was introduced. This program became imperative for the betterment of health for the children and the community of the time. Prior to the school nursing program, kids were sent him for illnesses no matter how minor. This affected their education. Many children were kept from school when they did not need to be, and in other situations diseases and contagions were not addressed and communities would suffer an epidemic. The school nurse became successful in their caring for many childhood diseases of the time and infections of the skin such as scabies, ringworm, lice, and skin dermatitis, which were common in the time. They dealt with social problems and changed the outcomes of many of the communicable diseases including GI infections, tuberculosis, trachoma, and typhoid fever. They became advocates for the children and their mothers, often being the only ones who would (Judd & Stitzman). Julie Reeves goes into detail on the school nurse of today in her article Nurses in Schools - making a positive difference. Even though it is regarding Australia, it still speaks truth in the U.S. School nurses undertake an enormous role in healthcare prevention and early intervention in a range of physical and mental health issues. This occurs through regular screening and education (Reeves, 2019). They are on the frontline when it comes to community nursing. The school nurse is both caretaker and confidant. The school nurse has come a long way since the 1900’s, but the commitment remains the same. Judd, D., & Sitzman, K. (2014). A History of American Nursing; Trends and Eras, Second Edition. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett, LLC. Reeves, J. (2019). PROFESSIONAL. Nurses in schools -- making a positive difference. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal, 26(5), 41. Retrieved from