Histories of nursing: The power and the possibilities

Abstract

This article challenges the dominant paradigm of understanding the history of nursing as only that of relative powerlessness. By moving away from the stance of educators deeply concerned about the inability of the profession to gain control over entrance requirements and into the realm of practice, we use examples from our own work to discuss alternate histories of power. We acknowledge historical circumstances of invisibility and gender biases. But we argue that when we look at the history of practice, we see as much evidence of strength, purpose, and successful political action. Finally, we call for an acknowledgement of the rich and complex nature of the many different histories we can tell in nursing. And we suggest that an admitted inability to advance in one area of the discipline has not meant an inability to move others.History matters. And it seems to matter more now more than ever in our collective memory. Each day public commentators report on how history and historical perspectives have informed the national debate about who we, as a society, are as citizens; what we want as a nation; and how we might move forward in addressing the most serious economic crisis of our generation. When studying the words of these commentators, however, it seems clear that there is not "one" history -that there is not one prescriptive formula that provides a simple solution or explanation for complicated problems. Rather, they present many histories -each starting from a particular stance, using different sources, and offering distinct perspectives. Still, when considered as a whole, these histories provide a much richer understanding of factors and forces that inform broad social policy and particular local practices.

Toward the Establishment of a Forensic Nursing Specialty in Brazil

“…Given the longstanding acknowledgment of violence as a healthcare issue (Krug et al, 2002), forensic nurses remain an "…untapped resource in antiviolence strategies and a critical link in the administration of justice" (International Association of Forensic Nursing, 2006). In Brazil, where there is increasing attention to the health and healthcare needs of individuals affected by violence (Reichenheim et al, 2011), there is a window of opportunity to contribute the theoretical foundations of forensic nursing science and to advance nursing specialty practice in the areas of SANEs and forensic psychiatric nurses (Backes, Erdmann, & Buscher, 2010;Dantonio, 2010;Mason, 2002). In Brazil, as well as in countries like England (Rutty, 2006), Germany (Lambe & Gage-Lindner, 2007), and Turkey (Gökdo?an & Erkol, 2005), increasing forensic nursing content in nursing curricula and establishing certification in forensic nursing are the critical first steps to advance and promote forensic nursing as a specialty.…”

Protecting and respecting military nurses

“…It has been estimated that at least 70% of health-care history is not preserved, 5 and there is 'power and possibility' in recording nursing history. 6 This oral history project, focusing on military nurses, contributes to the preservation of the history of nursing. 'Oral testimony is increasingly perceived as an exciting research method within the nursing discipline'.…”

An Investigation of Nurses Perception of the Organizational Power in the Paediatric Ward- Based on the King Model

“…The benefits of power for the organizations, especially the hospital system, and its importance in achieving organizational success, especially for success in the care system, have not been addressed in the nursing profession despite the need for further clarifications. (20) One way of clarifying these points it to use the nursing frameworks and models. The Emotion King model is one of the models of organizational power.…”