The knowledge of the foundation and history of nursing provides a context to understand current practice is by, recognizing the nursing theories and framework set up prior nurses. We learn from Florence Nightingale, Dorothea Lynde Dix, Mary Mahoney, and other great nursing professionals of nursing practices performed in the past and how it evolved overtime. For example Florence Nightingale’s ascertainment and research contributed to development of environmental theory. It states, “the incidence of disease is related to ...the want of fresh air, or of light, or of warmth, or of quiet or of cleanliness.” (Selanders & Crane). The theory incorporated the recovery of the patient into the delivery of the healthcare. The patient not only needs medication but a clean sanitary environment for recovery. The environmental theory is still widely practiced in every hospital and medical center today demonstrating patient comfort.
There were many trends in nursing practice demonstrated by the interactive timeline, the first one I choose was by Alexain Brothers in 14th century. He helped those suffering from black death, at that time primary nursing care was given by men. It is surprise to me, because predominate nurses are female in today’s society. After reading this article it has definitely changed my perspective of nursing, it feels great to know that male nurses also helped and contributed in the foundation of nursing.
The second trend I choose was by St. Vincent De Paul, He helped the most abandoned and the poor requiring medical care in seventeen century France. He established “Daughter of Charity”, which helped the sick and the poor requiring care. As we see even in today’s time there are city and state hospital’s that treat every citizens of the country without asking for payment or money for the treatment provided. Citizens are not looked as rich or poor, but are