Florence Nightingale was the first modern nurse. She worked during the Crimean War 1854-1856 initially dealing with unsanitary conditions that existed in field hospitals during the war.  Florence Nightingales created the Coxcomb Diagram.  This was a monthly analysis categorizing death from wounds, death from preventable diseases, and death from all other causes. Simple changes to sanitary conditions resulted in dramatic decrease in mortality rates in a 6-month period. Nightingale founded training schools for nurses in 1860. Lillian Ward founded visiting nurse services of New York.  She cared for poor immigrants on the lower east side of Manhattan a practice which continues to this day. Ward is credited with the organization of public school nursing designed to decreases absenteeism in NYC schools. In the 20 th Century improvement to pharmacology made it easier to treat diseases.  There was also a shift from public health to individual well-being. At first, nurses were trained by hospitals, eventually institutes of higher learning; i.e. colleges and universities. One of the greatest changes in the nursing profession are the various education touchstones.  The three most common are diploma, associates and baccalaureate. Today we treat the whole person and utilize a holistic approach as is seen in the metaparadigm of nursing concepts; nursing, person, environment and health. Purchase the answer to view it

Florence Nightingale is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of modern nursing. Her contributions during the Crimean War (1854-1856) were instrumental in revolutionizing the nursing profession. Nightingale initially encountered appalling sanitary conditions in field hospitals during the war, which greatly contributed to high mortality rates among wounded soldiers.

In response to these conditions, Nightingale developed the Coxcomb Diagram, a groundbreaking monthly analysis that categorized deaths based on their causes. This diagram highlighted the number of deaths resulting from wounds, preventable diseases, and other causes. By closely examining these data, Nightingale was able to identify the significance of sanitary measures in preventing disease and reducing mortality.

Nightingale’s efforts to improve sanitation, implement handwashing practices, and provide adequate ventilation and nutrition in field hospitals achieved remarkable results. Within a six-month period, there was a dramatic decrease in mortality rates, showcasing the impact of basic sanitary measures in saving lives.

Recognizing the need for well-trained nurses, Nightingale founded training schools for nurses in 1860. These institutions provided a structured curriculum and professional training, enabling women to enter the nursing profession with the necessary skills and knowledge. Nightingale’s emphasis on education and professional development laid the foundation for the nursing profession as we know it today.

Another significant figure in nursing history is Lillian Wald, known for her contributions to public health and community nursing. Wald founded the visiting nurse services of New York, through which she provided care to poor immigrants residing in the lower east side of Manhattan. This innovative practice continues to be an integral part of healthcare delivery today.

Wald was also responsible for organizing public school nursing in New York City, aiming to decrease absenteeism among students. Public school nurses played a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of students, providing a range of services such as health screenings, vaccinations, and health education.

The 20th century witnessed significant advancements in pharmacology, making it easier to treat various diseases. This, coupled with the shift from a focus on public health to individual well-being, transformed how healthcare was delivered. Nurses, initially trained by hospitals, began to receive their education from institutes of higher learning such as colleges and universities. This transition marked the professionalization of nursing and emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice.

One of the most notable changes in the nursing profession has been the evolution of various educational pathways. Currently, the three most common paths to becoming a registered nurse are diploma programs, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. Each of these pathways provides aspiring nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver quality patient care.

Contemporary nursing embraces a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of nursing, person, environment, and health. This metaparadigm of nursing concepts guides nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals within their physical, social, and cultural contexts. The focus is on promoting health and well-being, while also addressing the unique needs of each individual.

In conclusion, Florence Nightingale’s contributions during the Crimean War laid the foundation for modern nursing. Her implementation of sanitary measures and emphasis on education revolutionized the nursing profession. Lillian Wald’s efforts in public health and community nursing further advanced the field. The 20th century saw significant advancements in pharmacology and a shift towards individual well-being in healthcare. Today, nursing encompasses a holistic approach, addressing the complexities of health and promoting the well-being of individuals.