PNUR 103: Notes on Nursing History &
Reflective Practice (Weeks 1-6)
1. Discuss historical nursing practice in Canada from the past to present day.
THE HISTORY OF THE RPN
o Nursing transformed in the 1800’s from charity work to paid labour
o The first nursing school was founded in 1874 in St. Catherines, Ontario
o Nurses were trained in the hospital and after graduation nurses were
expected to work in the hospital to cover the costs of their education and
housing
o In 1938, practical nursing began in response WII
o In the 1970’s nursing education moved out of the hospital into colleges
and universities and trained nurses moved into the hospitals
o Training for the practical nurses began as 6 months program and increased
over time as the scope of practice changed
o The RPN program increased to a 2-year diploma program in 2005
2. Explore the image of nursing from the past to the present day.
o Unskilled
o Handmaiden
o Naughty nurse
o Wanna be physician stereotype/job for yesterday’s girl
o Battle-axe
o Advanced practice nurse as cut-rate physician substitute
3. Explore practical nursing as a Profession and discuss common characteristics of
the nursing profession.
In order for nursing to be considered a Profession it needs to have certain
characteristics.
Your Potter et al., (2019) textbook discusses some common characteristics of the
Nursing Profession.
1. Specialized education and knowledge
2. Professional Organization
3. Autonomy and Self-Regulation
4. Government Legislation
, 5. Code of ethics
Reflective Practice (Weeks 1-6)
1. Discuss historical nursing practice in Canada from the past to present day.
THE HISTORY OF THE RPN
o Nursing transformed in the 1800’s from charity work to paid labour
o The first nursing school was founded in 1874 in St. Catherines, Ontario
o Nurses were trained in the hospital and after graduation nurses were
expected to work in the hospital to cover the costs of their education and
housing
o In 1938, practical nursing began in response WII
o In the 1970’s nursing education moved out of the hospital into colleges
and universities and trained nurses moved into the hospitals
o Training for the practical nurses began as 6 months program and increased
over time as the scope of practice changed
o The RPN program increased to a 2-year diploma program in 2005
2. Explore the image of nursing from the past to the present day.
o Unskilled
o Handmaiden
o Naughty nurse
o Wanna be physician stereotype/job for yesterday’s girl
o Battle-axe
o Advanced practice nurse as cut-rate physician substitute
3. Explore practical nursing as a Profession and discuss common characteristics of
the nursing profession.
In order for nursing to be considered a Profession it needs to have certain
characteristics.
Your Potter et al., (2019) textbook discusses some common characteristics of the
Nursing Profession.
1. Specialized education and knowledge
2. Professional Organization
3. Autonomy and Self-Regulation
4. Government Legislation
, 5. Code of ethics
