NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century

NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century NR 393 Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century

Week 5: Progress in Nursing in the Early to Mid-20th Century

There was much progress in nursing during the early to middle part of the 20th century (1900 through the late 1930s). After reading the textbook and the lesson for this week, describe one area of change in nursing during that time period that intrigues you. Discuss how that area could be applied today.

Nursing during the earliest decades of the 20th century changed dramatically from the vocation that it had been during the latter part of the 19th century. Many aspects of nursing today are influenced by these events and the promotion of new opportunities for all women. The observations and recommendations of nurses who worked relentlessly to promote nursing as an honest and worthy endeavor changed medical care dramatically. There were many medical advances, a world war, two epidemics, changes in nursing education, creation of nursing organizations, expansion of public health or community nursing, promotion of women’s rights nationally, acknowledgment of women’s health concerns, greater recognition of childhood issues, and promotion of hospitals as a better way to provide medical care. Many of the principal nurses of these decades influenced nursing while acting as political and social reformers as well. As the public’s perception of nursing and the importance of nurses’ roles in the lives of the American people became evident, nurses gained a more positive image and nursing was perceived as a profession rather than a job”(Judd and Sitzman el, at. 2020. P143)

As per the weekly reading “The middle of the 20th century was a time of great growth in healthcare knowledge and technology. By the 1960s, with the development of coronary care and intensive care units, nurses began to play a prominent role in the care of critically ill adults and children. The first coronary care units were established in a few American cities in the early 1960s. Continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythms coupled with specialized care from nurses skilled in cardiac nursing resulted in evidence of improved patient outcomes. Soon, coronary care units were developed at most large hospitals”

The field of nursing continues to grow to meet the ever changes that are facing society. As we face COVID -19 and the effects of this disease we will see more specialties emerging to meet the complexities of this disease. Nursing as a profession will continue to evolve to meet the ever-changing demography of our society.

Judd, D., Sitzman, K., (2014) A History of American Nursing Trends and Eras (2nd ed.) North Carolina, Jones & Bartlett Learning 9781284044324.