Evolution of contemporary nursing

Ball, E

Abstract

Nursing has always developed in response to the changing
needs of society. As the structure of society alters, new nursing habits, customs, values and knowledge emerge in response to changes in the population and its health issues. Because of the influence of history and its corresponding knowledge-base on nursing, the evolution of contemporary nursing will be considered using a chronological approach from the 1700s to the present day and this chapter will demonstrate how nursing, which does not exist in isolation, has been influenced by society and the sociopolitical agenda of the day. The chapter explores how contemporary nursing and nursing roles have developed in response to the challenges facing healthcare delivery and what it means to become or be a twenty-first century nurse. Approaches to nursing practice are considered along with some key nursing roles in different settings. It is hoped that this chapter will provide a useful introduction for those embarking or enrolled on a pre-registration nursing programme.

• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: May 14, 2013
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 30-61
• Book Title: Foundations of Nursing Practice
• ISBN: 9780723436614
• Publisher URL: http://store.elsevier.com/Foundations-of-Nursing-Practice/Chris-Brooker/isbn-9780723436614/
• Additional Information: Funders : Elsevier