Nursing practice started as far back as 250 B.C. Most of the early nursing professionals were men of God. Then they slowly became men associated with the military. During the Crimean War, nursing took a dive for the worst. “Nursing had become a job for the “undesirables” in society — the immoral, the alcoholic, and the illiterate” (Grand Canyon University, n.d.). The income for people within the field, wasn’t sufficient enough to live off of, let alone anything else. After gaining some backing from the military, nursing become a more recognized profession. Way before our leading lady, Florence Nightingale, stepped into the spotlight, there was the great Dorothea Dix. Dorothea was a pioneer, “she began the movement toward recognizing the role of women in medicine and the development of nursing as a profession” (Grand Canyon University, n.d.). She was an advocate for how our mentally ill patients were being treated and their living conditions. She fought for the people who could not fight for themselves, and she traveled all over to do it. Another person to shed some light on the nursing profession was not known for his nursing qualities, but his writing. Walt Whitman became a caregiver by accident, by caring for his brother after being wound during the Civil War. “When he went to Washington, DC to care for his brother he saw the plight of many wounded soldiers and decided to stay and care for the sick and wounded” (Grand Canyon University, n.d). After his experiences, he put pen to paper, and did what he did best. He wrote a poem called “The Wound Dresser”. Not only did it explain what he did, but is expressed how badly the men were hurt and how bad the conditions were. The poem is moving and you can almost see all of the men Walt Whitman helped. Mildred Montag addressed issues within the education for nursing professionals. Mildred “revolutionized nursing education by the creation of the 2 year associate degree in nursing” (Grand Canyon University, n.d). She set up a program that could be achieved in less time than attending a 4 year college. This assisted with the nursing shortage and allowed more nursing to be produced. All three of these people, changed nursing in some way. History allows us to look back, and remember that this is a profession that is full of compassion and devotion. What an honor it is to be apart of it all.

Nursing practice has a long and rich history, dating as far back as 250 B.C. In the early days, many of the nursing professionals were men of God, dedicated to providing care to the sick and injured. Over time, nursing became increasingly associated with the military, as men were called upon to provide medical care to wounded soldiers. However, during the Crimean War, nursing suffered a setback. It had become a job for the “undesirables” in society – the immoral, the alcoholic, and the illiterate. The income for those working in the field was meager, making it difficult to sustain a livelihood.

Fortunately, nursing began to gain recognition as a profession with the support of the military. Prior to the legendary Florence Nightingale, there was another remarkable woman who pioneered the recognition of women in medicine and the development of nursing as a profession. Dorothea Dix was an advocate for the mentally ill and their living conditions. She fought tirelessly for those who could not fight for themselves, traveling extensively to bring attention to their plight.

While not known for his nursing qualities, the poet Walt Whitman inadvertently became a caregiver during the Civil War when he cared for his wounded brother. Witnessing the suffering and dire conditions of many wounded soldiers in Washington, D.C., he made the decision to stay and care for the sick and wounded. Moved by his experiences, Whitman wrote a poignant poem called “The Wound Dresser,” in which he vividly depicted the extent of the soldiers’ injuries and the challenging circumstances in which they were cared for. His writing served to shed light on the realities of nursing and the dedication required to provide compassionate care.

Mildred Montag, another influential figure in the field of nursing, brought about significant changes in nursing education. She revolutionized nursing education by creating the two-year associate degree in nursing. This program provided a shorter pathway to becoming a nurse compared to the traditional four-year college degree. Montag’s innovation helped to address the nursing shortage and increased the number of nurses entering the workforce.

All of these individuals, in their own unique ways, have made important contributions to the field of nursing. Their stories highlight the compassionate and devoted nature of nursing as a profession. Reflecting on the history of nursing reminds us of the honor and privilege it is to be a part of such a meaningful profession.

The development and progression of nursing practice over time is a testament to the continual evolution of the profession. As societal needs and healthcare demands change, nursing adapts and innovates to meet these challenges. From its humble beginnings as a calling for men of God to its recognition as a respected profession, nursing has come a long way. The contributions of individuals like Dorothea Dix, Walt Whitman, and Mildred Montag have shaped nursing practice and paved the way for future generations.

In conclusion, the history of nursing is a rich tapestry of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the profession. From the early pioneers who established nursing as a calling, to the advocates who fought for better care and conditions, to the educators who revolutionized nursing education, each person has left a lasting legacy. As current and future nurses, we are beneficiaries of their courage, dedication, and passion. An understanding and appreciation of nursing history foster a sense of pride and responsibility in carrying on the noble tradition of caring for others.