Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day

Today is Certified Nurses Day. We are thankful for all of the hardworking nurses that continue to defy the odds and practice safe, kind, medical care. To celebrate nurses, we compiled a history of nursing through the years.

History of Nursing

There have been nurses and medical aids for a long time. The first modern-day nurse is considered to be Florence Nightingale. During the Crimean War, Nightingale nursed British soldiers. When she returned to England, she set up schools based on her “Nightingale Principles.” These became the foundation for nursing institutions, and gave educated women a career path.

The beginning of nursing within the United States arose from these Nightingale Principles. Three hospitals formed nursing programs including Bellevue Hospital, New Haven Hospital, and Boston Training School at Massachusetts General Hospital. By the 20th century, there were over 500 nursing schools in existence. A nursing school would be connected to a larger hospital, with nursing students taking on the task of apprenticing the patients.

During World War I, there was a shortage of all professions that were sent overseas to fight. Nurses served in the military delivering healthcare to wounded soldiers. Those nurses who stayed at home began to expand their field of knowledge. They would work in different areas including anesthesia. This same pattern continued when nurses helped in World War II.

Until the mid 20th century, nursing schools were segregated. They did not become desegregated until after the Civil Rights Act. Unfortunately for men, most were denied entrance into the schools.

Nurses continued to fill in specialty areas. Nursing schools began graduating those seeking to work in healthcare as nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. As it stands now, there is actually a shortage of nurses in America, and this is a concern for the growing field of healthcare.

Final Thoughts

Do you have any favorite nurses? Famous or just familiar? Comment about why they mean so much to you!