The History of Nursing: An Overview

Today’s healthcare system houses 3.1 million nurses who provide valuable healthcare services every day. They make up the most significant healthcare profession and play a unique role in promoting the health of our communities. Throughout May, SpecialtyCare is proud to celebrate National Nurses Month to highlight their remarkable contributions and valuable role within our healthcare system. 

The Contributions of Florence Nightingale 

In October 1854, the nursing profession began with the notable work of Florence Nightingale, a British woman who delivered service to British soldiers alongside a group of female nurses. When she returned to England, she developed nurse education programs across various hospitals rooted in specific ideas about how nurses should be educated, called the “Nightingale Principles.” She believed that women could make a valuable impact within the healthcare system to improve patient care. 

History of Patient Care

Sick care for families has changed tremendously throughout history. It first took place in the home but, during the early 19th century, hospitals began offering services for those who couldn’t provide for their families themselves. They primarily built these hospitals in larger, more populated cities. Nursing care also differed at these hospitals. Those run by religious nursing orders provided the highest quality care while other institutions ranged from good to poor, depending on the circumstances. 

Benefits of Nursing 

Nurses are the primary link between doctors and patients. They often spend the most time with patients, building unique relationships with them. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of a career in nursing. This field also comes with many benefits, some of which include:

1. A High Demand Career

Nurses have always been in high demand. With the current nationwide shortage, there’s an even greater need for them to provide high-quality medical care. The average life expectancy is getting longer, so hospitals are constantly looking to hire more nurses. Some hospitals will even pay large sign-on bonuses for those with more experience. With extensive opportunities and layoff rates remaining low, nursing provides excellent job security. 

2. Versatility 

There are over 200 nursing specialties that you can get certified in that make you more marketable to potential employers. Niche expertise can result in a higher salary and greater demand for you as an employee. Nurses can also take their careers in many different directions outside the four walls of a hospital, such as within the justice system as a legal nurse consultant or the education system as a school nurse. 

3. Job Flexibility 

A nursing profession allows for the flexibility of working whenever you want—full-time, part-time, or temporarily. You can easily take time off if needed and find a job quickly if you decide to enter back into the field. 

4. Ability to Work in Various Locations

One of the biggest perks of being a nurse is that you can practice from anywhere. This allows you to work in a variety of incredible places and move around as you prefer. With constant high demand, there will always be opportunities in whichever city you decide to live. 

5. Great Salary 

Nursing offers competitive salaries with an average earning of $50,000 while nurse practitioners can earn up to $60,000 and advanced practice nurses up to $90,000 per year. Another valuable perk is that nurses get paid time and a half for working on weekends and holidays. 

Celebrating National Nurses Month

Nurses leave a lasting impact on the families, friends, peers, and patients they care for every day. SpecialtyCare is happy to celebrate National Nurses Month and acknowledge the incredible work that goes into this profession and how nurses make a difference in healthcare. 

About SpecialtyCare

SpecialtyCare is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience, becoming the OR employer of choice, and leading the way in OR innovation. They do this through staffing operating rooms and providing the equipment needed for medical procedures.