article is research or clinically based; summarizes the purpose of the article and includes the
major themes or findings and the implications for nursing practice.
Understanding the history of nursing helps you to increase the understanding of: - § origins of
the nursing discipline
§ evolution of nursing practice
§ Nursing is a profession
Ancient Greek Civilization - · Thought illness was caused by sin and the gods' displeasure
· Temples became center of medical care for the ill
· Nurses cared for the sick in the home and community; practiced as nurse-midwives
Early Christian Period - · Both male and female nursing orders were founded during the
Crusades (11th to 13th centuries).
· Hospitals were built for pilgrims needing health care
· Nursing has formal and more clearly defined role; developed purpose, direction, and
leadership
16th Century - · Shift from a religious orientation to an emphasis on exploration and expansion
of knowledge
· Nursing had a poor reputation; nurses received low pay and worked long hours in unfavorable
conditions.
Florence Nightingale - § Belief: role of nurses was to help the body recover, and then remain
free, from disease.
§ First practicing epidemiologist
· Used statistical analysis to show the connection between poor sanitation and diseases (like
cholera and dysentery)
,· Known as the Lady with the Lamp, Nightingale crossed the battlefields of the Crimean War
with her lantern looking for wounded souldiers. By improving sanitation in battlefield hospitals,
she showed how effective fresh air, hygiene, and nutrition were in the treatment of wounded
soldiers.
§ Organized first school of nursing in 1860
· Nightingale Training School for Nurses, at St. Thomas' Hospital in London.
§ Practices remain a basic part of nursing today
Clara Barton - Founded the American Red Cross
Mother Bickerdyke - organized ambulance services and walked abandoned battlefields at night,
looking for wounded soldiers.
Mary Mahoney - *First professionally trained African American nurse
*She was concerned with the relationship between cultures and races; and as a noted nursing
leader she brought forth an awareness of cultural diversity and respect for the individual,
regardless of background, race, color, or religion.
Historical Perspective (1950 - present) - o Nursing broadened in all areas
o Practice in a wide variety of health care settings
o The development of a specific body of knowledge was formed
o The conduct and publication of nursing research occured
o Recognition of the role of nursing in promoting health
o Increased emphasis on nursing knowledge as the foundation for evidence based practice
(EBP) lead to growth of nursing as a professional discipline
ICN definition of nursing - Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of
individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing
includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying
,people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health
policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles.
Standards of Practice - guides HOW we provide care
Standards of Professional Performance - Guides HOW we behave when we provide care
Goal of Nursing - To improve the health and well-being of all individuals, communities, and
populations through the significant and visible contributions of registered nursing using
standards-based practice
What are Professional Roles of the Nurse? - 1. Caregiver
2. Patient Advocate
3. Educator
4. Communicator
5. Counselor
6. Leader
7. Researcher
8. Collaborator
What are 4 broad aims of Nursing Practice? - § To promote health
§ To prevent illness
§ To restore health
§ To facilitate coping with disability or death
What are 4 blended competencies of nursing? - § Cognitive - nursing knowledge
§ Technical - nursing skills
, § Interpersonal - communication with interdisciplinary team (talking with physicians,
counselors, etc)
§ Ethical/legal - guidelines and laws (scope of practice)
What is autonomy? - § An essential element of professional nursing that involves the initiation
of independent nursing interventions without medical orders
Graduate education in Nursing Practice (advanced practice) - emphasizes advance knowledge in
the basic sciences and research-based clinical practice. A master's degree in nursing is
important for the roles of nurse educator and nurse administrator, and it is required for an
APRN.
What are some Doctoral Programs of Nursing? - · (DSN or DNSc) prepare graduates to apply
research findings to clinical nursing.
· (Phd) prepare nurses for more rigorous research and theory development
· (DNP) as the terminal practice degree and required preparation for all APRNs. The DNP is a
practice-focused doctorate. It provides skills in obtaining expanded knowledge through the
formulation and interpretations of evidence-based practice.
How many hours does the Va Board of Nursing (VBON) require annually for continuing
education? - 30 hours
What are some examples of advanced practice registered nurses? - 1. Clinical Nurse Specialist
2. Certified Nurse Practitioner
3. Certified Nurse Midwife
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
For a clinical nurse specialist, areas can be based on: - o Population (geriatrics/Peds)
o Setting (CCU/ICU)