Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science
Essay
Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science Essay
Naturally, nursing practice has evolved over time. An example of
how it has evolved includes the first medicine men. These men
were essentially the first “nurses.” Whitney (2018) suggests that
most of their nursing was based on trial and error. When diseases
affected people, it was thought that evil spirits were responsible.
The Middle Ages occurred and women caregivers were thought
of as “witches.” The Industrial Revolution came next and due to
plagues and unsanitary conditions, the concept of ‘public health’
began where it was determined that a Center for Disease and
Control Center was necessary (Whitney, 2018). Shortly thereafter,
the Departments of Health and Human Services began.
Florence Nightingale is the first distinguished nurse of name. She
basically paved the way for nursing as we know it today. She took
care of injured soldiers in the Crimean War and improved patient
care by changing the environmental conditions around her
(Whitney, 2018). From there, the first nursing school was founded
and Lillian Wald and Mary Brewster pioneered the area of public
health.
During the 20th century, the focus shifted from public health to
individual health. Diploma programs were offered and college
programs began in the early 1900’s. As the demand for nurses

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