How Nursing Theory And Practice Has Changed From The History Of Nursing Theorists

Today, the role of nursing has changed over the years compared to the past. The history of nursing began with Florence Nightingale. During that time, nurses were looked down upon because it was a profession for lower class society. Women that came from a high-class society were not expected to become nurses. Florence Nightingale pursued her career as a nurse in the Crimean war to help the wounded and sick soldiers despite her parents’ wishes. Florence Nightingale established St. Thomas’ Hospital in London which led to schools of nursing and hospitals in the United States. She is the first theorists which has led to many theorists today. As nurses began to pursue their degrees in higher education, research began to emerge (Alligood, 2014). “Nursing Theory as a Guide to Practice” was written by William K Cody. This article was written to answer questions that Jacqueline Fawcett had asked in response to theory and practice. William Cody responds by saying that theory is guided by practice. In his article, he talks about his experiences as a nurse which leads him to his

During 1970s and the 1980s, the application of nursing theory wasn’t used. Instead the knowledge of a nurse was focused primarily on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics, chemistry, microbiology, hygiene, psychology, and communication. He was taught to care for patients who were sick until they can care for themselves. It wasn’t until the 1980s where he started to work in a medical center and had to start thinking critically and consider the scientific rationale for each patient. (Cody, 2003). Anatomy and physiology is very important for nurses to understand how the human body works as well as pharmacology. Though these are very important, nures need to also develop critical thinking skills. Nurses are the ones who administer medications to patients and are the one who cares for patients throughout the course of their