Nursing Education's Dynamic History

Abstract

Professional nursing education has changed through the decades, from experiential training governed by religious sisters to formal education on theory and research for practice. Numerous types of nursing programs have been developed to meet professional and healthcare needs, and the popularity of different programs has varied over time. The purpose of this article is to explore the history of nursing education and the challenges the 21st century presents to nurse educators and clinicians. Strategies are offered for Christian nurse leaders to forge new pathways for education and move the profession forward.

The promotion of teaching and learning scholarship in undergraduate nursing non‐tenure line faculty: A success story

“…Formal nursing education began at the end of the 19th century when events such as the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution stressed the necessity for “trained” nurses who could provide urgently needed care to save lives. Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing and created a model of nursing education that grew throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th century (Akers & Mauk, 2023). During the early 20th century, the National League for Nursing Education (NLNE) published a series of curriculum recommendations and the Winslow Goldmark report recommended accreditation procedures on a national level for all entry to practice nursing programs (Akers & Mauk, 2023).…”

“…Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing and created a model of nursing education that grew throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th century (Akers & Mauk, 2023). During the early 20th century, the National League for Nursing Education (NLNE) published a series of curriculum recommendations and the Winslow Goldmark report recommended accreditation procedures on a national level for all entry to practice nursing programs (Akers & Mauk, 2023). Many nurse training schools separated from hospital systems and changed to more formal college education via philanthropic organizations.…”

“…Graduate education in nursing was inaugurated in the latter half of the 20th century with masters and doctoral programs expanding throughout the United States (Ervin, 2021). Master in nursing programs consisted of advanced practice nursing (APRN) roles including nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist programs (Akers & Mauk, 2023). One of the first doctoral (PhD) in nursing programs originated in 1954 at New York University under the leadership of Martha Rogers.…”

“…One of the first doctoral (PhD) in nursing programs originated in 1954 at New York University under the leadership of Martha Rogers. For many years because of the varying opinions on a professional doctorate for nursing, nurses seeking a terminal degree obtained a PhD regardless of interest as clinician or researcher (Akers & Mauk, 2023). The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree was officially introduced in 2004 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and experienced a rapid development (AACN, 2004).…”

“…The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree was officially introduced in 2004 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and experienced a rapid development (AACN, 2004). The DNP degree prepares nurses to translate research evidence into practice, lead practice changes, and advance the science of nursing (Akers & Mauk, 2023). With the transition of nursing education to BSN education and the growth of graduate nursing education, the SoTL has grown and is integral to nursing education.…”