Fundamentals of Nursing — Study Module
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
Complete Structured Study Module & Outline
13 Units — Nursing Theory, the Nursing Process, Vital Signs, Infection Control, Hygiene & Mobility, Medication Administration,
Documentation, Priority-Setting, Nutrition & Fluid Balance, Elimination, Oxygenation, Wound Care, Perioperative & End-of-Life
Care
Designed for: Nursing Students (First-Year / Fundamentals Course)
1
, Fundamentals of Nursing — Study Module
Table of Contents
2
, Fundamentals of Nursing — Study Module
Unit 1: Foundations of Professional Nursing
1.1 Definitions & History of Nursing
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of
suffering; and advocacy for individuals, families, communities, and populations (American Nurses Association).
• Florence Nightingale (1820–1910): founder of modern nursing; emphasized sanitation, observation, ventilation, and
environment in patient recovery during the Crimean War.
• Clara Barton: founder of the American Red Cross; pioneered battlefield nursing care in the U.S.
• Lillian Wald: founder of public health nursing; established the Henry Street Settlement.
• Mary Breckinridge: founded the Frontier Nursing Service, expanding rural maternal-child care.
• Virginia Henderson: developed the 14 basic human needs component of care, often called the "first lady of nursing."
• Modern nursing shifted from task-based, physician-directed care toward holistic, evidence-based, patient-centered, and
interdisciplinary care.
Timeline Snapshot
Era Key Development
Pre-1800s Nursing performed mainly by religious orders and
family members; no formal training.
1850s–1860s Nightingale establishes formal training; emphasizes
sanitation and statistics in healthcare.
Early 1900s Nursing schools expand; licensure exams introduced.
1950s–1960s Nursing theory development begins (Henderson,
Peplau).
1970s–1990s Nursing process (ADPIE) formalized; NANDA
founded (1982) for standardized diagnoses.
2000s–present Evidence-based practice, informatics, and
interprofessional collaboration become central.
1.2 Nursing Theories & Conceptual Models
Nursing theories provide an organizing framework for practice, education, research, and clinical decision-making. Theories
are generally grouped into Grand Theories (broad, abstract), Middle-Range Theories (more specific, testable), and Practice-
Level Theories (guide specific interventions).
Key Theorists to Know
Theorist Theory / Focus
Florence Nightingale Environmental Theory — clean air, water, light,
nutrition, and sanitation promote healing.
Virginia Henderson 14 Components of Basic Nursing Care — helping
patients meet needs they cannot meet alone.
Dorothea Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory — nursing intervenes when
self-care demands exceed the patient's ability.
Sister Callista Roy Adaptation Model — humans adapt to stimuli across
3
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
Complete Structured Study Module & Outline
13 Units — Nursing Theory, the Nursing Process, Vital Signs, Infection Control, Hygiene & Mobility, Medication Administration,
Documentation, Priority-Setting, Nutrition & Fluid Balance, Elimination, Oxygenation, Wound Care, Perioperative & End-of-Life
Care
Designed for: Nursing Students (First-Year / Fundamentals Course)
1
, Fundamentals of Nursing — Study Module
Table of Contents
2
, Fundamentals of Nursing — Study Module
Unit 1: Foundations of Professional Nursing
1.1 Definitions & History of Nursing
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of
suffering; and advocacy for individuals, families, communities, and populations (American Nurses Association).
• Florence Nightingale (1820–1910): founder of modern nursing; emphasized sanitation, observation, ventilation, and
environment in patient recovery during the Crimean War.
• Clara Barton: founder of the American Red Cross; pioneered battlefield nursing care in the U.S.
• Lillian Wald: founder of public health nursing; established the Henry Street Settlement.
• Mary Breckinridge: founded the Frontier Nursing Service, expanding rural maternal-child care.
• Virginia Henderson: developed the 14 basic human needs component of care, often called the "first lady of nursing."
• Modern nursing shifted from task-based, physician-directed care toward holistic, evidence-based, patient-centered, and
interdisciplinary care.
Timeline Snapshot
Era Key Development
Pre-1800s Nursing performed mainly by religious orders and
family members; no formal training.
1850s–1860s Nightingale establishes formal training; emphasizes
sanitation and statistics in healthcare.
Early 1900s Nursing schools expand; licensure exams introduced.
1950s–1960s Nursing theory development begins (Henderson,
Peplau).
1970s–1990s Nursing process (ADPIE) formalized; NANDA
founded (1982) for standardized diagnoses.
2000s–present Evidence-based practice, informatics, and
interprofessional collaboration become central.
1.2 Nursing Theories & Conceptual Models
Nursing theories provide an organizing framework for practice, education, research, and clinical decision-making. Theories
are generally grouped into Grand Theories (broad, abstract), Middle-Range Theories (more specific, testable), and Practice-
Level Theories (guide specific interventions).
Key Theorists to Know
Theorist Theory / Focus
Florence Nightingale Environmental Theory — clean air, water, light,
nutrition, and sanitation promote healing.
Virginia Henderson 14 Components of Basic Nursing Care — helping
patients meet needs they cannot meet alone.
Dorothea Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory — nursing intervenes when
self-care demands exceed the patient's ability.
Sister Callista Roy Adaptation Model — humans adapt to stimuli across
3
