Today is our topic of discussion is Introduction to Nursing.
Introduction to Nursing
Introduction to Nursing:
Nursing has been called the oldest of the arts and the youngest of the profession. The word nurse evolved from the Latin word nutritious, which means nourishing. The roots of medicine and nursing are intertwining and found in mythology, ancient eastern and western cultures and religion.
Nursing, besides being a honorable profession, is one of the oldest arts and an essential modern occupation. Nursing is one of the greatest of humanitarian services and all people whether ill or well, rich or poor, literate: or illiterate, young or old, at work or at play, in or out of hospital, are in some way or other, directly or indirectly closely associated with it.
Nursing has its own body of knowledge scientifically based and humanitarianism that promises expanded benefits to people and society. It assists. the individual or family to achieve their potential for self- direction for health.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
The history of nursing spans from the history of human kind. For as long as there has been life, there has been the need to provide care and comfort to those suffering from illness and injury. From the dawn of civilization, evidence prevails to support the premise that nurturing has been essential to the preservation of life.
Survival of the human race, therefore, is in inextricably intertwined with the development of nursing. Nursing has been called the oldest of the arts and the youngest of the profession. The word nurse evolved from the Latin word nutritious, which means nourishing.The roots of medicine and nursing are intertwining and found in mythology, ancient eastern and western cultures and religion.
Nursing is defined by various authors at various times. Anderson says “nursing is primarily assisting the individuals (sick or well) in the performances of those activities, contributing or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided, if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge. The unique contribution of nursing is to help the individual to be independent or such assistance as soon as possible.
PREHISTORIC NURSING
Myths, songs and other findings of the archaeologists throw some light on prehistoric man’s care for this sick. In the prehistoric era, it was believed that illness was caused by evil spirits within the body. In order to get rid of the evil spirit. the body had to be ill-treated.
This was done by starving. beating, and administering nauseous medicines, beating of drums, magic rites and ceremonies and by causing sudden fright. Sometimes holes were made in the affected parts of the body to allow the evil spirit to escape. Besides this, there were also many other ways of treating illness.
Primitive man’s skill in fighting disease has given us many medical and surgical treatments such as massage fomentations, trephining, bone setting, hot and cold baths, etc. The doctor cum nurse in such cases was the medicine man or the witch doctor or the priest physician.
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