HISTORY OF NURSING

INTRODUCTION
Nursing is the unique function of the nurse, that is to assist the individual (sick or
well) in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery
( or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary
strength, will or knowledge. In today's healthcare system, nurses hold a pivotal
role, providing essential care and support to the sick. To truly appreciate the
significance of nursing, it's imperative to delve into the history of nursing. Nursing
as a profession has existed throughout history, although it has evolved
considerably over time. In the current healthcare system, nurses are one of the most
trusted healthcare professionals with a significant role to play in the treatment and
medical care of the sick.

History Of Nursing
The term "nurse" traces its origins to the Latin word "nutire," meaning to suckle.
Initially, nursing primarily involved wet-nursing during the early days and
transitioned into caring for the sick in the late 16th century. Check the timeline of
history of nursing here:

 300-200 AD: The first recorded instance of nursing care in history, as

ancient Roman women provide care for the sick and wounded.
 4th-5th Century AD: The early Christian church establishes deaconesses,
women who cared for the sick and needy, contributing to the development of
organized nursing.
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  19th Century: Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern
nursing, pioneers nursing education and hygiene practices during the
Crimean War.
 1860: Nightingale establishes the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at
St. Thomas' Hospital in London, setting the foundation for formal nursing
education.
 Late 19th Century: Nursing schools and programs emerge in the United
States, led by figures like Clara Barton and Linda Richards.
 1901: The American Nurses Association (ANA) is founded, becoming a
leading organization for nursing advocacy and standards.
 1920: The Nurses Registration Act in the United Kingdom establishes nurse
registration and regulation.
 1930s-1940s: Nursing becomes more specialized with the development of
nurse practitioner roles and advanced practice nursing.
 1950s-1960s: The civil rights movement in the United States leads to
increased diversity in the nursing profession.
 1965: Medicare and Medicaid are established, expanding healthcare access
and the demand for nurses in the United States.
 1970s: Nursing research gains prominence, contributing to evidence-based
practice.
 1980s-1990s: Nursing continues to evolve with the growth of technology
and specialization in various nursing fields.
 21st Century: Nursing faces challenges and opportunities in response to
global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlights
the essential role of nurses in healthcare.
 Ongoing: Nursing education and practice continue to adapt to changing
healthcare needs, and nurses play a vital role in patient care worldwide.

EARLY HISTORY
The first known documents that mention nursing as a profession were written
approximately 300 AD. In this period, the Roman Empire endeavored to build a
hospital in each town that was under its rule, leading to a high requirement for
nurses to provide medical care alongside the doctors.

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The profession of nursing became considerably more prominent in Europe in the
middle ages, due to the drive for medical care from the Catholic Church. In this
period, there were many advancements and innovations that took place, which
eventually went on to form the base of modern nursing.

The first Spanish hospital was built in the late 500s to early 600s in Merida, Spain,
with the intent to care for any sick individuals regardless of ethnic origin or
religion. Several others were created in the following centuries but their upkeep
was neglected until Emperor Charlemagne began to restore them and update the
supplies and equipment in the 800s.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the nursing as a profession was rare due to
various reasons, such as the closing of monasteries that housed the hospitals.
However, in some regions of Europe where the Catholic Church remained in
power, the hospitals remained and nurses retained their role.