Key points Day 1: Changes in Nursing During the 20th Century

Changes in Nursing During the 20th Century
15 of 37 — Changes in Nursing During the 20th Century

The evolution of nursing was influenced greatly by the way care was given to the sick and injured. The influence of Florence Nightingale on nursing practice and nursing education was highly significant in the 19th century. Nursing practice and education in the United States were influenced significantly by the activities of Florence Nightingale. In the early 1900s, states began mandating licensure as a criterion for entry to professional practice. In 1911, nursing reorganization led to the development of the National League for Nursing Education (NLNE). World War I and World War II created greater demand for nurses and resulted in nurse training organizations: Army School of Nursing (WWI) and Cadet Nurse Corps (WWII).

In 2014, the National League for Nursing (NLN) recognized licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) as valued members of the professional nursing team. The 21st century saw an increased focus on advanced nursing education. Challenges for nursing schools included issues related to health care reform, defining the scope of practice, high-stakes testing, diversity, academic progression, and faculty shortages. The crisp, white nursing uniform and cap have changed over the years. The caps are gone, while the uniforms are more colorful and casual yet still professional. The pinning ceremony remains as a rite of passage for nursing students. Numerous societal and demographic factors have affected nursing practice in the 21st century, meaning that nursing education and practice must also change and adapt. The biological gender differences impacting women are increasingly becoming a health care focus. Nursing is responding to women’s health care issues by seeking greater autonomy and responsibility in providing care and in helping women become more aware of their own unique needs. Feelings of social isolation, stereotypes about men who choose nursing, nursing instructors’ inability to incorporate masculine styles of caring into the curriculum, and a lack of male role models in the profession may be to blame for the shortage of men in nursing.

The promotion of diversity in nursing must begin with nursing faculty and students, along with greater efforts to recruit and retain diverse students. The nursing profession created bills of rights to respect all patients as individuals and ensure quality care for all, regardless of the circumstances. The medically underserved population includes those affected by unemployment, homelessness, or poverty or who are undocumented workers. The nursing shortage in the United States is due to numerous factors, including those choosing new career options, an aging nursing workforce, and retirement.

Summary

The evolution of nursing was influenced greatly by the way care was given to the sick and injured. The influence of Florence Nightingale on nursing practice and nursing education was highly significant in the 19th century. Nursing practice and education in the United States were influenced significantly by the activities of Florence Nightingale. In the early 1900s, states began mandating licensure as a criterion for entry to professional practice. In 1911, nursing reorganization led to the development of the National League for Nursing Education (NLNE). World War I and World War II created greater demand for nurses and resulted in nurse training organizations: Army School of Nursing (WWI) and Cadet Nurse Corps (WWII).

In 2014, the National League for Nursing (NLN) recognized licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) as valued members of the professional nursing team. The 21st century saw an increased focus on advanced nursing education. Challenges for nursing schools included issues related to health care reform, defining the scope of practice, high-stakes testing, diversity, academic progression, and faculty shortages. The crisp, white nursing uniform and cap have changed over the years. The caps are gone, while the uniforms are more colorful and casual yet still professional. The pinning ceremony remains a rite of passage for nursing students. Numerous societal and demographic factors have affected nursing practice in the 21st century, meaning that nursing education and practice must also change and adapt. The biological gender differences impacting women are increasingly becoming a healthcare focus. Nursing is responding to women’s healthcare issues by seeking greater autonomy and responsibility in providing care and in helping women become more aware of their own unique needs. Feelings of social isolation, stereotypes about men who choose nursing, nursing instructors’ inability to incorporate masculine styles of caring into the curriculum, and a lack of male role models in the profession may be to blame for the shortage of men in nursing. The promotion of diversity in nursing must begin with nursing faculty and students, along with greater efforts to recruit and retain diverse students.

The nursing profession created bills of rights to respect all patients as individuals and ensure quality care for all, regardless of the circumstances. The medically underserved population includes those affected by unemployment, homelessness, or poverty or who are undocumented workers. The nursing shortage in the United States is due to numerous factors, including those choosing new career options, an aging nursing workforce, and retirement.

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