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GENERAL HISTORY OF NURSING It is written that nursing is a “learned profession, a science, and an art.” (Fundamentals of Nursing, Pg. 87) Due to the fact that it responds to the health problems of many individuals and their loved ones, nursing is a “unique” profession. It is one of the oldest arts, with “great, universal mother instincts.” (Fundamentals of Nursing, Pg. 87) “Nursing has evolved over many years, influenced by the means which the sick were cared for. Changes in the way people live, the interrelationship of people with their environment, the search for knowledge and the truth through education, and technological advances have made nursing… what it is and what it will be.” (Foundations of Nursing, Pg 3) After reviewing in its entirety, the history of nursing, one could note that it has developed “a growing body of knowledge.” (Fundamentals of Nursing, Pg. 90) At approximately 5000 B.C., there was not much nursing reference. If a person was ill, it was considered that evil spirits possessed them, and “the presence of a good spirit kept disease away.” (Foundations of Nursing, Pg 24) It is noted that “medicine-men”, mostly assisted by men, performed witchcraft for healing during this time.
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