Introduction
Nursing, like any other science, has a millennia-long history. The origins of medicine are linked to the early phases of human evolution and civilization. It is true that, in the beginning, medicine was the realm of everybody rather than a chosen few. Following that, the woman, the leader of the human species, was the first to generalize this folk experience consciously and, as a result of her responsible position in society, to employ it in practice to treat fellow humans. According to history, the first healer on our planet was a woman, and the folk epic has maintained a nice remembrance of her. Nursing is a very old profession that has just lately been recognized.
History of Nursing
Three early depictions of the nurse may be found in the history of nursing. This is the folklore picture of the “nurse-mother” – when nursing was restricted to treating rituals and herbs and conducted at home by domestic women. Another religious symbol is “God’s worker,” which is associated with establishing numerous almshouses where church workers attended for the sick. Furthermore, the third stage (“black” time), the image of the “servant”—when persons with special education began to give care. The novelty and disadvantage of the latter phase are that the nurse merely functions as an executor of the doctor’s orders.
Numerous wars, natural catastrophes, mass epidemics, and associated crises were significant socioeconomic forces that aided the advancement of nursing. During military battles, the search for the most rational forms and techniques of nursing care contributed to increased scientific research in nursing (Excela Health, 2015). This pattern is confirmed by nursing staff engagement in the Crimean War, World Wars I and II, and other wars. The fundamental push for establishing “early nursing” was the rise and spread of Christianity. Nursing was founded on Christian beliefs and values such as mercy, charity, and concern for one’s neighbor. The involvement of women from wealthy and noble families, motivated by Christian ideals, in caring for the sick and wounded in the early Middle Ages not only raised the prestige of this work but was also a major factor in the establishment of institutions such as hospitals, asylums, hospitals, and hospices. The establishment of secular nursing communities, founded on ideas of autonomy from the church and more oriented to medicine, also contributed to the continued development of nursing care.
The remarkable individual, the Englishwoman Florence Nightingale, significantly influenced the development of nursing in European nations in the nineteenth century (1820-1910) (Thiel, 2013). Florence was raised in a wealthy affluent family in Florence, Italy, and had a quality education for a woman of her day. She was a literary prodigy who spoke multiple languages, studied maths and science, painted, and played the piano. Nevertheless, the tranquil and comfortable existence did not appeal to Florence, who actively sought ways to aid the destitute and sick. However, at the time, charitable actions, such as assisting people in need, were regarded as unworthy of a noblewoman. The girl gave up her happiness and close ties with her parents to follow her calling. She was accepted into the community of the sisters of Pastor F. Flender in Germany in 1851, where she obtained a nursing education (Thiel, 2013). Florence was appointed superintendent of a hospital for teachers in London two years later.
Florence Nightingale’s reputation became well-known, and she was given the position of Superintendent of the Royal Hospital, but the start of the Crimean War changed her plans. The British army sustained tremendous losses during the conflict, exacerbated by weak military medical care organizations. As a result, the War Ministry searched for someone with experience, expertise, and organizational abilities who could be trusted to manage a detachment of medical volunteers. Florence Nightingale was just such a person. She chose 38 potential Sisters of Charity and accompanied them to Scutari’s British hospital (Turkey) (Thiel, 2013). Courageous ladies anticipated a horrific scene: rotting, filthy dormitories, parasite-infested beds, a dearth of linen and bandaging supplies, and a lack of fuel.
The Sisters of Charity, led by Florence, worked tirelessly to restructure the hospital to provide the most effective sanitary regime and nursing care possible in wartime conditions. They successfully lowered mortality from 42% to 2% (Thiel, 2013). Florence Nightingale resumed her work in medicine after the Crimean War, but at a higher level. She authored several books and articles on nurses’ purpose, function, activities, and education. She wrote books, including Notes on Hospitals, Notes on Nursing, How to Care for the Sick, and many more that are still highly regarded by physicians today. Miss Nightingale had a huge effect on women in the United Kingdom. Florence dedicated a lot of time and energy to the cause of nursing education. On Nightingale’s proposal, a probationary school for nurses was established in London in 1860 at St. Thomas Hospital (Thiel, 2013). For 27 years, the school was led by a qualified nurse who had received Florence’s training (Thiel, 2013). Florence Nightingale thus greatly influenced the formation of nursing around the world.
Professional Nursing Organizations
I want to examine the American Nurses Association as an organization influencing nursing. This association is important because it continually improves nursing practice, develops innovative methods of patient care, and addresses health care issues. The ANA is at the forefront of efforts to improve health care for everybody. In 1896, the American Nurses Association was established (American Nurse Association, n.d.). Members of the organization have the chance to enhance their abilities constantly. They may take online courses, earn continuing education credits, and take advantage of special networking opportunities and resources. Scholarships are available from the organization in various categories, including nursing leadership, education and professional development, and research awards. The organization now has 4 million nurses globally (DeGarmo, 2022). Membership in the American Nurses Association is $30 per year (DeGarmo, 2022). The group is actively trying to solve health concerns confronting the United States, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic determinants of health, racial inequities, and the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
The American Academy of Nursing is the second official organization I would like to mention. It was created in 1973 and is extremely significant in modern nursing (Potter, 2019). The American Academy of Nursing aims to enhance health and achieve health equity by influencing policy via nursing leadership, innovation, and science. This is critical in today’s world because violence, discrimination, and racism have a direct influence on health determinants, increase health inequalities, and can result in long-term stress. The group provides numerous options for professional development, including an annual conference, online materials, webinars, and a career center. The organization also offers training materials and discounts on certification examinations. As a Fellow, membership costs $575 annually, while Honorary Fellows pay $195. There are now 2,900 Fellows in the organization. As previously indicated, the primary concern of this group is the battle for health fairness. Its members advocate for equal access to medication for all.
Conclusion
Thus, any professional organization can develop and elevate a profession, expand knowledge, give possibilities for information sharing, stimulate and sustain people’s interests, and deliver public services. A professional nursing organization is one of the numerous organizations committed to its members’ professional and personal growth as well as the progress of the nursing profession. Because nursing education, practice, and research are ever-changing, it is critical to join a professional nursing organization. A professional nursing association may assist nurses in a variety of ways. Members, for example, will have infinite opportunities to communicate with colleagues from around the world. Furthermore, at nursing conferences and forums, the organization may increase nursing skills, strengthen leadership, and allow exchanging nursing experiences. Furthermore, the organization can provide fellowship possibilities in research, increasing the likelihood that research will be funded.
References
American Nursing: An introduction to the past. (n.d.) Nursing, History, and Health Care, Penn Nursing. Web.
DeGarmo, S. (2022). American Nurses Association Enterprise. Health Policy and Advanced Practice Nursing: Impact and Implications, 375.
Excela Health. (2015). The Way We Were – Nursing School History. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Historical Review – American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Web.
Potter, T. (2019). Planetary health: the next frontier in nursing education. Creative Nursing, 25(3), 201-207.
Thiel, A. (2013). The History of Nursing and the Development of the Nursing Profession. [Video]. YouTube. Web.