Posted: September 6th, 2023

Legacy of Nursing’s History

Legacy of Nursing’s History

Select a nurse that historically contributed to the advancement of the profession.

In a 2–3-page paper (not including the title page or reference page), include the following information:

· Describe the background of the nurse you selected.

· Discuss the major social issues occurring at the time this nurse lived.

· Describe two contributions this nurse made to the nursing profession including an explanation of how these two unique contributions influenced current nursing practice.

· APA format

Introduction

Nursing has a rich history that has been shaped by the contributions of many individuals. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the legacy of nursing’s history by discussing the life and work of Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale is considered to be the founder of modern nursing and her contributions to the nursing profession are still relevant today.

Background of Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy on May 12, 1820, to a wealthy family. Her parents believed in education and encouraged her to learn various subjects such as mathematics, history, and literature. Florence Nightingale was interested in helping others from a young age, and she saw nursing as a way to achieve this goal.

Major Social Issues During Florence Nightingale’s Time

During Florence Nightingale’s time, there were many social issues that affected the lives of people in England. The industrial revolution had led to overcrowding in cities, which resulted in poor living conditions and a high incidence of disease. The Crimean War (1853-1856) had also broken out, and the British army was facing a significant challenge in providing medical care to its soldiers.

Contributions of Florence Nightingale to the Nursing Profession

Florence Nightingale made many contributions to the nursing profession. Two of her most significant contributions were:

Establishment of Professional Nursing: Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing, as she was the first person to establish a professional nursing school. She saw nursing as a noble profession that required specialized knowledge and skills. Florence Nightingale’s nursing school was opened in 1860 at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her school emphasized the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in patient care. These principles are still relevant in nursing practice today.

Statistical Analysis in Nursing: Florence Nightingale was also an advocate for the use of statistical analysis in nursing. She collected data on patient outcomes and used this information to improve patient care. Her statistical analysis showed that improved sanitation and hygiene could prevent the spread of disease. This insight led to the development of infection control practices, which are still an essential aspect of nursing today.

Conclusion

Florence Nightingale’s contributions to the nursing profession have had a lasting impact on nursing practice. She established nursing as a profession that required specialized knowledge and skills. She also emphasized the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in patient care. Her use of statistical analysis in nursing paved the way for evidence-based practice, which is now the foundation of nursing care. Florence Nightingale’s legacy continues to inspire nurses today, and her contributions to the nursing profession will be remembered for generations to come.

References

George, J. B. (2002). Florence Nightingale: The founder of modern nursing. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 7(1).

McDonald, L. (2017). Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War. History Today, 67(5), 40-45.

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