The History of Nursing

The History of nursing is a long and interesting one. Nursing has been an important part of every culture, although it may have been called something different. The word "nurse" has been around in the English language since the 14th century, although the meaning and practice have changed.

Before modern nursing came about, medical help has often provided by religious institutions or the military. This history remains a part of nursing in some countries where some nurses may be referred to as "sisters." Nuns and others would care for the sick during epidemics and during times of war. The term nurse was used for women who cared for children, although it gradually came to have a broader meaning.

Modern nursing really developed during the Crimean War. Florence Nightingale worked to improve the conditions of injured and ill soldiers. She wrote a book about how to improve conditions and treat the soldiers for various injuries and sicknesses. Other nurses also played a role in advancing nursing technologies during this time period as well.

Nightingale would later start a training school for nurses in England. She also wrote the Nightingale Pledge for nurses to take about the care they would provide sick and wounded patients. The Nightingale Lamp, which is often used in ceremonies, came from the lamp that Nightingale would carry at night in the hospital during the Crimean War.

In the United States, Clara Barton was an important figure during the American Civil War, organizing nursing services for injured soldiers. She also created the Red Cross organization which helps people during both war and peace. The organization would later help provide nurses for military hospitals during World War I.

The modernization of nursing was also tied to the rise of the women's movement during the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Many of the movement leaders were nurses or had strong concerns for improving the health and wellbeing of women and children.

New Zealand became the first country to regulate nurses in 1901. North Carolina passed a nursing regulation law to become the first state in the United States with regulations. Since then, other countries have passed regulations on nursing and the industry has exploded.

Today, nurses are a staple in hospitals, health care centers, and in doctors' offices. Nurses have played a vital role in advancing medical technologies and patient care. The history of nursing has gone from military endeavors to state of the art facilities today.