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How Does the History of Nursing Influence the Future of Nursing?-Sample Solution

The history of nursing has played a significant role in shaping the nursing profession, and it continues to influence the future of nursing. The nursing profession has a long and rich history that spans several centuries. The evolution of nursing can be traced back to the early civilizations, where women played a significant role in caring for the sick and wounded (Jairath  & Borglin, 2019 ). As the years passed, nursing evolved from a voluntary service to a formal profession, with the establishment of nursing schools and the standardization of nursing education. In this essay, we will explore how the history of nursing has influenced the future of nursing, looking at the changes and innovations that have occurred over the years.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

One way that the history of nursing has influenced the future of nursing is by establishing nursing as a formal profession. Before the 19th century, nursing was not considered a formal profession, and those who cared for the sick and wounded were often untrained and uneducated. However, in the mid-19th century, nursing began to emerge by establishing nursing schools and formalizing nursing education (Institute of Medicine, 2020). The establishment of nursing schools helped standardize the education and training of nurses, laying the foundation for the nursing profession that we know today.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

Formalizing nursing education has elevated the status of nursing as a profession. In the past, nursing was often viewed as a low-status occupation. Still, with the establishment of nursing schools and the standardization of nursing education, nursing became a more valued profession (Institute of Medicine, 2010). Today, nursing is considered one of the most respected professions, and nurses are recognized for their expertise and contributions to healthcare.

Moreover, the history of nursing has influenced the future of nursing through the development of nursing specialties. In the early days of nursing, nurses were expected to perform various duties, from cleaning wounds to administering medications. However, as nursing became a more formal profession, nurses began to specialize in specific areas of healthcare, such as pediatrics, oncology, and critical care (Johnson, 2020). Today, there are dozens of nursing specialties, and nurses can choose to specialize in the area of healthcare that interests them most.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

Nursing specialties’ development has helped improve patients’ quality of care. Nurses who specialize in a particular area of healthcare have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and needs of patients in that area. As a result, they can provide more specialized care tailored to the patient’s needs (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). For example, pediatric nurses are trained to care for children, and they better understand the unique challenges that children face when receiving healthcare.

The history of nursing has also influenced the future of nursing through technology. Technology has revolutionized healthcare delivery, and nursing has been at the forefront of these changes. From electronic health records to telemedicine, technology has made it easier for nurses to provide high-quality care to patients (Institute of Medicine, 2010). For example, electronic health records allow nurses to access patient information quickly and easily, while telemedicine allows nurses to provide care to patients in remote or underserved areas.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

The use of technology has also led to the development of new nursing roles and responsibilities. For example, nurses who specialize in telemedicine are trained to provide care to patients remotely, using technology such as video conferencing and remote monitoring (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Similarly, nurses who specialize in informatics are trained to manage and analyze healthcare data, using technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

Evidence-based practice has also influenced the future of nursing by integrating research into clinical practice. Nurses are trained to use evidence-based practice in their clinical decision-making, and they are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices (Jairath & Borglin, 2019). This helps ensure patients receive care based on the best available evidence and that healthcare providers provide care grounded in research and scientific evidence.

The history of nursing has influenced the future of nursing through the ongoing emphasis on evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice is using research and scientific evidence to guide clinical decision-making. It is an approach to healthcare grounded in the best available evidence, and it has become an essential component of nursing practice (Jairath & Borglin, 2019). The emphasis on evidence-based practice has helped improve patient care quality and ensured that nurses provide care based on the best available evidence and research.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

Conclusion

The history of nursing has played a crucial role in shaping the nursing profession, and it continues to influence its future. The establishment of nursing schools and formalizing nursing education helped to standardize the profession, elevate its status, and enable nurses to specialize in various areas of healthcare. The use of technology has also revolutionized how healthcare is delivered, leading to the development of new nursing roles and responsibilities.(History and Future of Nursing Essay)

References

Institute of Medicine. (2020). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.

Jairath, N. N., & Borglin, G. (2019). The evolution of nursing: A history and an update. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 9(3), 1-10.

Johnson, J. E. (2020). The evolution of nursing as a profession: Historical perspectives and future implications. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(4), 878–888.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.