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Online Companion: Fundamentals of Nursing Standards and Practice 2E
Chapter 1 is a look at the history of the nursing profession. The history forms a link to understanding the social and economic forces that are shaping the profession in the new millennium. From earliest known times, individuals cared for sick and vulnerable persons in the society. This work was usually done under religious sponsorship. In the mid-1800's, Florence Nightingale served at the battlefront in Britain's war in Crimea. She became an early advocate for education for nurses and is looked upon as the founder of modern nursing. The chapter describes early nursing efforts in America and lists the contributions of important nursing leaders. Advances in medical technology and
changes in health care financing have led to dramatic changes in the roles nurses
take in modern health care delivery. There is increased need for advocacy for
elderly persons, those living in poverty, the homeless and for persons with
HIV infection. These changes require nurses to advance their knowledge base
and skills with a trend toward increased specialization of practice areas. Nurses
have increased their involvement in shaping health care policies to increase
access to health care for all citizens. The challenge to the profession is to
balance "high-tech" health care with "high touch" caring
and concern. The Healthy People initiative provides goals for health in America
toward which nurses can work in collaboration with other health care professionals.
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