Topic 1 DQ 2 August 12, 2024: How Has Nursing Practice Evolv
Topic 1 Dq 2aug 12 16 2024how Has Nursing Practice Evolved Over Time
Explain how nursing practice has evolved over time. Discuss the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing. Identify one key nursing leader and summarize one historical event that has shaped contemporary nursing practice, the advancement of nursing as a profession, and the development of nursing roles. Choose a different leader and historical event from those mentioned by classmates. Initial posts should be at least 200 words and include two APA-cited references. Responses to peers or faculty should be words and include one reference.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of nursing practice reflects a dynamic journey shaped by historical, scientific, and societal changes. From the early days of informal caregiving and altruistic service to the rigorously educated and specialized profession it is today, nursing has continually adapted to fulfill the needs of population health and healthcare advancements. Over time, nursing transitioned from the era of Florence Nightingale, a pivotal figure whose work during the Crimean War revolutionized sanitation and patient care practices, to modern evidence-based approaches that emphasize scientific research and critical thinking. Her contributions laid the foundation for systematic nursing education and improved healthcare standards (Dossey, 2010).
Evidence-based practice (EBP) and critical thinking serve as cornerstones of contemporary nursing. EBP integrates clinical expertise with the best available research, fostering interventions that improve patient outcomes and safety (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Critical thinking enables nurses to analyze complex clinical situations, make informed decisions, and adjust care delivery based on evolving evidence and patient needs. Together, they promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional accountability in nursing.
A notable nursing leader is Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American licensed nurse in the United States. Mahoney's advocacy for racial equality and professional development contributed significantly to diversifying nursing and promoting inclusivity within the healthcare system. Her leadership exemplifies the role of nurses as advocates and catalysts for social change, fostering a more equitable healthcare environment (Abdur-Rahman & Holmes, 2017).
Historically, the Flexner Report of 1910 marked a transformative event in nursing education, advocating for higher standards and formalized training for nurses, aligning it more closely with medicine and scientific principles. This document prompted the professionalization of nursing, higher educational standards, and the establishment of accredited programs, thus elevating nursing's status as a respected health science (Flexner, 1910).
In conclusion, nursing has evolved from foundational caregiving roles to a complex, evidence-based domain that emphasizes critical thinking and continuous education. Pioneers like Florence Nightingale and Mary Mahoney have been instrumental in shaping this progression, while pivotal events like the Flexner Report have professionalized nursing and expanded its roles. Continuing this trajectory requires embracing innovation, diversity, and evidence-based practice to meet future healthcare challenges.
References
- Abdur-Rahman, A., & Holmes, S. (2017). Mary Eliza Mahoney: Pioneer of nursing and social reform. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 28(4), 345-351.
- Dossey, B. M. (2010). Florence Nightingale: Healing, leadership, and the development of nursing. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(1), 8-14.
- Flexner, A. (1910). Medical education in the United States and Canada. Bulletin of the Johns Hopkins University, 1(5), 1–22.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.