Origins of Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Origins of Nursing - Research Paper ExampleWhen the same person is not in a position to carry out these activities owing to illness, and there comes someone who can assist this person in performing the activities which aid in the persons recovery or a peaceful death, whence that is nursing. The International Council of Nurses defines nursing as to assist an individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contri stilling to wellness or to its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, pass on or knowledge, and to do this in such a way as to help in gaining independence as rapidly as possible (Baly 51). Nursing has been a profession to many old and young race across generations and nations. In addition, it is viewed to be among the oldest humanitarian services (Baly 177). Scientifically, nursing is a body on its own, and not only is it a science but also an art, providing skillful health do by to patients in a wa y that enhances the general relationships between the patient, family and the nurses (Pavey 59). From a direct point of view, nursing deals with illness prevention and ensuring of choice health standards. From a wider point of view, nursing does not just concern itself with c are of the sick and ageing, but it is also concerned with the conservation of good health practices and prevention of medical disorders. The artistry of nursing is likened to the care mothers gave to their families in ancient homes. It is believed that this art has been modeled over time into modern nursing that is skilled and a science that is well-organized. It is evident that nursing has undergone numerous changes across centuries and continents. A study conducted on nursing will highlight the problems faced in the past, the solution to those problems and how nursing has evolved despite the various obstacles. Traditionally, when a mother took attendant care of her sick young one, it was a sign of nursing. Along with these natural abilities that include mercy, love and almsgiving (humanitarianism), special training combined with suitable experience and self-sacrifice, a nursing profession has been created. Archaic Nursing. numerous myths have been created, many tunes have been composed, and a handful of findings have been made about pre-historic humans care for the sick. In the ancient African setting, it was believed that illness was as a result of evil liven up (Nutting and docking 44). To get rid of the evil spirit, handed-down medicines were administered, drums beaten and magic rites performed so as to scare away the spirits. The treatment done to the body was aimed at getting rid of these evil spirits. Other forms of traditional treatment include massage, bone setting as well as heatable and warm/hot births etc. In this case, the doctor or the nurse was the medicine man, the witch doctor or the priest physician. Nursing in Ancient Egypt. Egypt has been known to be one of the key contributors of ancient discoveries. According to Nutting and Dock (24), nursing is one of them, and its origin has been associated with the Egyptians who viewed medicine to have its origin in divinity. Egypt holds home to one of the oldest records of medicine dating way back to 1600 B.C. (Pavey 86). Numerous medical sources, illustration of diseases and their associated treatments, surgery and medicine used are found in Hieroglyphic writings on papyrus which are in the temples of pre-historic Egypt and from the Pyramids.