History of Nursing

Brief History of Nursing

In the early dawn of human history, diseases or illness were often related to superstitious beliefs and the treatment also often involved magical cures.

The Sumerian Civilization is believed to have recorded in a clay-tablet 4,000 years ago some healing prescriptions but did not specify the illnesses.

The Code of Hammurabi traceable to the Babylonian empire in 1900 BC documented regulations pertaining to sanitation and public health, the practice of surgery, differentiation in the practice of human against veterinary medicine, a table of fees for operations and penalties for violation of the code. During these early days, nursing practice was vaguely described as those who render comfort and support to patient. In the Old Testament, it made mention of women as nurses who provided care for infants and children, the sick and dying.

The Greek and Roman empires related the care of the sick and those injured to the mythologies that they have created and believed that the gods and goddesses possessed special healing powers. Hygeia, daughter of Greek god Asklepios, the chief healer, was revered to be the embodiment of the nurse.

Ancient India – Nursing functions were being carried out by male nurses provided they meet the four qualifications:
1. knowledge of the manner in which drugs should be prepared for administration
2. cleverness
3. devotedness to the patient
4. purity of mind and body

Christian Benevolence- “love thy neighbor as thyself” had a significant impact on the development of Western Nursing.

The principle of “Good Samaritan” is the basis of caring for most Christians that eventually laid down some principles of nursing.

During the time of the Roman Empire, rich matrons such as Fabiola used their wealth to provide houses of care and healing that served as the early hospitals for the poor, sick and the homeless.

The Time of Crusades ( Holy mission or pilgrim to regain the Holy land by the Christians), knights were trained to provide care for the wounded soldiers in the battle – this is perhaps the earliest recognition of men providing nursing care.

Camillus De Lellis – considered the patron saint of nurses was the founder of the Nursing Order of the Ministries who provided care to the sick and the poor.

Florence Nigthangle born from a wealthy family chose to dedicate her life in providing care for the sick and injured especially during the Crimean War. She also started a school to train nurses in 1860, which eventually sparked the development of Modern Nursing.