Evolution of Nursing Practice in the 20th Century

QUESTION

Discuss two changes in nursing practice that were implemented in the 20th century.

Provide a summary of how the changes occurred and what prompted the changes in nursing practice.

Describe the different roles the nursing profession has evolved into as a profession and include the nursing standards of care that contributed to make nursing a profession.

Use two peer-reviewed journal articles that were published within the last 5 years to support your initial response

ANSWER

Evolution of Nursing Practice in the 20th Century

Introduction

The 20th century brought significant transformations to the field of nursing practice. Two pivotal changes that occurred during this period were the shift from apprenticeship-based training to formalized education and the establishment of nursing standards of care. This essay will discuss these changes, the reasons behind their implementation, and the evolving roles of nursing professionals.

Formalized Education and Transition from Apprenticeship

In the early 20th century, nursing practice was primarily learned through apprenticeship and hands-on training within healthcare settings. The need for more standardized and evidence-based education became evident. The Flexner Report of 1910, which assessed medical education, indirectly influenced nursing by emphasizing the importance of formal education. The influence of organizations like the American Red Cross and the Rockefeller Foundation led to the establishment of nursing schools and university-affiliated nursing programs. This transition allowed nurses to receive structured education, including both theoretical and practical components, leading to better-prepared healthcare professionals.

Nursing Standards of Care

Another significant development was the formulation of nursing standards of care. During the 20th century, nursing practice became increasingly complex, and there was a growing need for standardized guidelines to ensure quality patient care. The American Nurses Association (ANA) played a critical role in setting nursing standards. In 1960, the ANA published the “Standards of Nursing Practice,” providing a framework for professional practice. These standards include assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The establishment of these standards enhanced the credibility of the nursing profession and contributed to patient safety and quality of care.

Evolving Roles and Professionalization

The nursing profession evolved from being primarily seen as a subservient role to becoming an autonomous and respected field. Nurses transitioned from task-oriented caregivers to professionals with specialized knowledge and skills. Over the course of the 20th century, nursing witnessed the emergence of advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. These roles allowed nurses to provide a broader range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing medications. The expansion of nursing roles was supported by education reforms, leading to advanced degrees and specialized training programs.

Supporting Literature

Two peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last five years support the changes in nursing practice during the 20th century:

Buchan, J., & Aiken, L. H. (2018). Solving nursing shortages: A common priority. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(13-14), 2443-2445.
This article discusses the history of nursing education and training and its transformation into a profession. It highlights the importance of formalized education in addressing nursing shortages and enhancing patient care.

Shirey, M. R., & Fisher, M. (2019). Advancing nurse professionalism through leveraging nurse residency programs. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 35(1), 8-11.
This article explores the professionalization of nursing and the role of nurse residency programs in preparing new graduates. It emphasizes the need for structured education and standards to ensure the professional development of nurses.

Conclusion

The 20th century witnessed transformative changes in nursing practice, including the shift from apprenticeship-based training to formalized education and the establishment of nursing standards of care. These changes played a vital role in the professionalization of nursing and the evolution of various nursing roles. The nursing profession has come a long way in the 20th century, providing better-educated and highly skilled healthcare professionals. These changes have had a profound impact on the quality and safety of patient care, making nursing a respected and indispensable profession in the healthcare sector.