Nursing Roles Defined Throughout History. Natalie James.

For the majority of nurses working within the field of modern medicine, one of the most difficult tasks associated with the job must be maintaining the tenuous balance between the pull of professional ambition and honoring the responsibility owed to their current role. Nursing remains one of the most stratified occupations in terms of recognized qualification, and a wide disparity exists between the positions of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) in terms of both experience and education. While standards vary from state to state, individual LPNs may be required to complete many of the same duties as their RN counterparts, including the administration of intravenous fluids, the withdrawal of blood for testing, and other crucial aspects of inpatient care. Despite the similar set of skills possessed by LPNs and RNs, the latter position commands a greater level of prestige and a significantly higher salary within the nursing field, and because of this many qualified LPN's aspire to attain the rank of RN in order to better their personal and professional lives. As a working LPN beginning the transition to future RN career, I have encountered many difficulties and obstacles which I feel will only strengthen my resolve and crystallize my ambitions. During the extensive reading required to gain the knowledge needed to work as an RN, a statement made by the authors of LPN to RN Transitions: Achieving Success In Your New Role resonated deeply with me, and I

In the early 1900’s nursing education was primarily received at hospitals. Graduates mostly worked as private duty nurses, tending to wounds, bathing and administering medications. Others worked in hospitals where autonomy and leadership were considered insubordinate. During WWII nurses were once again at the bedside of soldiers and responsible for treatment decisions for the first time. This lead to once again, the need for highly trained nurses. The Cadet Nurse Corps program was initiated in 1943 where over 100,000 nurses received formal education and training (Travel Nurses Now, 2013). Nurses however remained in short supply post WWII across the United States. One response to the shortage, was the development of two year Associates Degree programs at community colleges. The ADN programs were cheaper, faster, thus making nursing a career possibility to a broader more diverse population of students (Creasia, Friberg 2011)

Nursing as a profession has faced many barriers over the centuries. One of the most defining barriers discussed in regard to the historical experience of nurses is the effects of its being considered, and for the most part being, work done by women. In evaluating nursing history it is necessary therefore to evaluate the ways in which society has evolved over time in terms of its views on the roles of nurses of women within the society and its institutions. In the U.S., the inception of nursing both as an occupation and later as a profession, has strong ties to the challenge of women's perceived role as a wife and mother whose sphere was solely domestic. In many ways, significant progress has been made from that time in what women and

Transitioning from an licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse is of the hardest things I have ever done. Twelve years ago I took my boards and became a licensed practical nurse. Going to school to become an LPN was difficult, but I was not a mother and I did not work full time as I do now. Getting to know the students I attend school with has made me realize that each student’s role transition is different, with unique outlooks and emotional roller coasters. In the following paragraphs I will preview licensed practical nurse to registered nurse role comparisons, my change in

One aspect of nursing that has changed since the early 1800’s is nursing education. There was no question about the credibility of the women providing care to soldiers after the war. For many years untrained nurses and consequently nursing students cared the sick without any supervision. In 1873, the need for educated nurses was sought but was opposed by untrained physicians who thought trained nurses would pose a threat to their jobs (Gary & Hott, 1988). “Nurses have evolved

Healthcare systems and the way safe, quality health care is delivered are continually changing to better serve patients and communities. Professional nursing practice is a large component in the healthcare system today. Back in the 1960s, professional nursing leaders tried to adopt the bachelor degree programs as the only educational track to become a registered nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Due to nursing shortages and demands this motive did not hold fast. Individuals entering the nursing profession today must first decide which educational pathway to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

With an ever-increasing body of knowledge in the field of nursing, more education is being required to enter the field of nursing. Many healthcare institutions are raising the educational requirements in order to become employed or maintain employment in their facilities. Healthcare organizations are transitioning to hiring registered nurses (RN) who have a higher level of education, such as, a graduate from a Baccalaureate Degree Nursing (BSN) program. The goal of these institutions is to have nurses with a broader array of skills that can meet the growing demands of our patient population. BSN prepared nurses are recognized for their well-rounded skills in critical thinking, management, case management and health promotion versus Associate Degree nurses (ADN)/Diploma nurses that focus on direct patient care.

Personal nursing philosophy is important to individualized nurses because different nurses care for different patients. Marchuk (2014) notes, “The use of a nursing philosophy as the basis for nursing practice promotes the proper application of nursing knowledge as well as the development of further nursing theory and knowledge.” Nursing philosophy is different for every kind of nurse and each individual nurse, some seek compassion and knowledge, were as other seek professionalism and dignity. All nurses are different, and this paper will be focusing on the Licensed Practical Nurse and the roles and tasks of an LPN.

A registered nurse (RN) is a graduate of a four-year nursing program from a college or university. RNs usually finish an associate degree that takes two years before continuing to a Bachelor’s Degree which will then take another two years. On the other hand, a licensed practical nurse or LPN is a graduate of a one-year practical nursing program. Both of the degrees are focused on the study of nursing arts and sciences with backgrounds on humanities and other areas of science. However, since RN’s spend more time studying the different topics that are required for their job, they are more knowledgeable on physiology and pharmacology, clinical practice, management of resources, delivery systems, utilization of research and functioning appropriately with a team. Both RN’s and LPN’s are expected to maintain physical and psychological competence so that they can continue with their jobs but for registered nurses,

Being a nurse is not just a profession, it is a privilege and an honor. With it being a profession where there is an opportunity to touch many patients’ lives, there must be regulations, laws, and codes that nurses must abide by. There are certain professional traits that a nurse must possess to make them not only a good nurse but a great nurse. There are various nursing theories that a nurse can base their practice upon and many historical figures of the past that guide the nurses of today and of the future.

Nursing can be a demanding career, but the benefits far much outweigh the challenges. Most importantly, it’s the rewards it offers by allowing an opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life through the provision of care when they need it. Just as Patricia Benner theorized in her book “Novice to Expert,” nursing encompasses both educational knowledge and extensive clinical experience acquired throughout one’s career. This far, I continue to acquire knowledge and clinical knowhow which will promote proper and efficient care to patients. Since I began practicing one year ago in a long-term healthcare facility, I have interacted with patients, families, physicians and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate patient’s care which has enabled me to gain confidence in myself. While I cannot deny that it was difficult to transition from a student to a licensed nurse, I learnt to overcome these challenges and focus on my strengths. Practicing as an LPN has provided a platform to learn and gain experience even though the duties and responsibilities are limited by the scope of practice.

The beginning of a new graduate nurses career rarely begins easily, there seems to be a distinct disconnect between the fantasy of what it means to be a nurse and the reality of bedside nursing. Nursing school seems to feed into this disconnection, in that it does not prepare the new graduate registered nurse (NGRN) for their professional practice. What nursing school does is give the NGRN the basics, a peak into what is to come. The NGRN has to find out for themselves what the true meaning of being a nurse is and if it fits their preconceived ideas.

Nursing has changed over time from the instruments that are used, the process that procedures are done, and many medical advances. Nursing back in the Florence Nightingale days did not have specialties like we do today either. Nursing has a whole has progressed significantly since then. I believe that the history of nursing is important because we as nurses need to know where we come from and how this profession became what it is today. Without many prominent nurses such as Florence Nightingale, Mary Breckinridge, Agatha Cobourg Hodgins, and Adda Eldredge nursing would not be what it is today. The American Association for the History of Nursing is an association that nurses can join if they have an interest in the history of

The history of nursing is fundamentally the foundation of nursing today. Historical nursing leaders have paved the way for our nurses in the 21st century by their views, dedication, and achievements. Not only have these leaders paved the way for nursing as a profession, but they have also instilled historical changes in health care and in our society overall. The current definition of nursing today is “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (ANA, 2010c). A historical nursing leader is one that has carved this definition of nursing through their actions, values, and beliefs. Also, a historical nursing figure is an individual that has influenced and continues to influence societal trends in the nursing profession today by having developed a foundation that still has an impact on us. “The focus of nursing practice is care provided to assist individuals, families, communities, and populations” (Claros and Dean, 2013), which is exactly what Margaret Sanger’s focused on in her works. Margaret is the definition of nursing and is an inspirational model and leader to female nurses in addition to females in general through her works thus is the reason we choose her as our focal point for our essay.

Like any scientific discipline, the nursing profession has evolved over time. Nurses, once regarded as housemaids and lower class citizens, now hold positions of authority and stature in our modern society. These changes in the profession are attributed to the many nurse theorists who devoted their lives to the improvement of patient care. Through their theoretical advancements, the public perception of nursing has gone from dismissive to reverential. Today, our culture considers the nursing profession to be one of the most rewarding and respected career paths an individual can pursue. Through a review of one such patient theorist, Dorothea Orem, one can witness this change in the perception of the nursing profession. As a first semester student in a professional nursing course of study, Orem has already influenced my personal nursing philosophy.