When
looking at the history of nursing, one will realize how rooted the
profession is in military and religious affiliations. Because of charitable work,
many religious institutions offered nursing services and often it
was the nuns in the history of nursing who provided care. The military has an obvious
need for medical care and the history of nursing can be traced back
to many of these needs.
Even today, the history of nursing continues to be written in
advancements within the military field. Religious groups have had a
history of nursing for years with the role of educator, counselor
and care giver. During
the history of nursing and beyond religious sects often provide
healthcare to those in need.
This history of nursing still goes on today.
In
interesting note in the history of nursing is that New Zealand was
the first country to regulate nursing and set up standards and
registration to provide care.
Anyone interested in the history of nursing is bound to have
heard of Florence Nightingale who is purported to be the founder of
nursing. Her
contribution to the history of nursing is still seen in the
standards of the profession today. Modern nurses have her
to thank for setting the bar for caring, accurate recording and
excellent patient care.
Without this bit of history of nursing, we would not have the
care we do today.
The
nursing community celebrates the history of nursing by commemorating
Florence Nightingale on her birthday. There are also museums in
her honor as well as a nursing school helping to keep the history of
nursing alive and thriving.
Many countries have hospitals named in her honor to
memorialize her gift to the history of nursing. Because the history of
nursing had many roots in the religious communities, churches will
offer liturgical celebrations to honor her involvement in the
founding of the history of nursing.
The
history of nursing is rich and interesting. However, what is amazing is
that the history of nursing is still being written today. Annual advancements in
medical science allow nurses to do their job more efficiently and
effectively. In a few
years, the history of nursing will be looking back only a few years
to compare what was done then to current practices.