Having knowledge of the foundations and history of nursing helps one to understand how nursing evolved and developed as a profession throughout the centuries, how current practices were put into place and become effective. Nursing Timeline of Historical Events (Ic.gcumedia.com, 2017) enables nurses to see the significant changes that took place to make nursing into a profession. The knowledge of history and changes develops the sense of professional identity and responsibility that builds a better future for the nursing profession.
Based on the Nursing Timeline of Historical Events (Ic.gcumedia.com, 2017), the first trend that has influenced my perception of nursing practice is the progression of a male-dominated, religious calling to the women-dominated profession with or without religious affiliations. The act of nursing always known to heal the sick and wounded, today it is not necessarily a religious calling, instead of a calling of healing and compassion towards those in need. I think the women dominated profession is becoming bisexual as more and more males are entering this profession as it is overcoming the past prejudices of society.
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“Ill individuals were taken care of by sinners, saints, or mothers” (Ic.gcumedia.com, 2017). Florence Nightingale who born in the wealthy family and had educational opportunities, choose to help poor or sick people. She incorporated the idea of “five essential components to an optimal healing environment: pure air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness and light” (Kelly, 2012, p. 2397). This concept changed the meaning of nursing by decreasing mortality rate, into what we know today as a compassionate, desirable, and respectful