Nursing in the 21st Century

What are factors that contribute to nursing shortages?

Shortage of nursing faculty A shortage of nursing faculty leads to smaller nursing classes and fewer nurses graduating. Increase in general population An increase in the general population translates to an increase in the population of patients. As the population gets older, there is an ever-increasing need for nurses. Aging of the current nursing workforce As the population ages, so do working nurses. This contributes to nursing shortages. The perception of increased responsibility with little authority Many nurses, unfortunately, still do not feel empowered in their profession. This is improving, but still contributes to nursing shortages

Which types of care might nurses provide for veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan War?

Long term care for lower body and limb injuries Lower body and limb injuries from mine explosions are common injuries from the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. Post traumatic stress disorder and depression Veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan war commonly are affected by PTSD and depression.

Which event in history served as the unlikely setting for the beginnings of professional nursing organizations?

1893 World's Fair A group of nursing leaders convened and met at the world's fair. A paper written by Florence Nightingale was presented, which established the beginnings of professional organizations for nurses

Which event caused nursing efforts to focus on being better prepared for mass casualties?

9/11 The events of 9/11 were the impetus for hospitals to adopt disaster preparedness, with mass casualty drills and emergency management procedures.

Which is a true statement about nursing?

Although nursing has not always been accurately understood by the public, nurses are still considered ethical and respected. The public perception of nursing has not always been accurate, but recent Gallop polls indicate nursing is considered the top ethical profession.

What change in American society led to advances in the visibility and need for nursing in the early 20th century?

Arrival of large numbers of immigrants The arrival of large populations of immigrants, primarily in New York City, led to an increased demand for nurses, due to cramped conditions and the easy spread of disease.

How might Susan's military experience help her on a medical unit?

Caring for veterans long term Experience caring for veterans long term is helpful on a less critical medical unit.

Why did many nursing programs adopt gerontologic nursing as part of their curriculum?

Growth of the aging population Gerontologic nursing specializes in care of the older patients and aging populations. As the overall population ages, nursing considerations are more and more geared to the older patients.

Match the figure in nursing history to her specific contribution.

Established the American Red Cross Clara Barton Set up a hospital in a hotel during the Crimean War Mary Seacole Introduced infection control principles during the Crimean War Florence Nightingale Herbalist who influenced cleanliness standards during American Civil War Mary Ann Bickerdyke

Place the key events in nursing history in the correct chronological order.

Florence Nightingale had a major role in the battlefields of the Crimean War (1853-1856). The nursing care for the American Civil war (1861-1865) was pre-dominantly handled by the Catholic nuns, then later Clara Barton arranged for a supply chain and a makeshift hospital. In 1886, the first African American nursing school was set up followed by the establishment of American Society of Superintendents of Training Schools in 1893.

Which diseases had an impact on the advancement of nursing in the United States?

Flu The flu pandemic in the early 20th century was largely contained by the efforts of Red Cross nurses, who provided public education and home care. HIV/AIDS When HIV/AIDS was first identified, very little was known about it. Nurses provided expertise and set up practices for infection prevention by establishing Standard Precautions (later Universal Precautions). Typhoid fever When an outbreak of typhoid fever grew larger than anticipated, African American nurses (mostly untrained) who had already had typhoid were used to care for the sick.

Which is an example of an ethical dilemma brought about by advancement in medical treatments?

Genetic testing to determine whether a couple's children will be likely to have genetic anomalies Genetic testing will help couples with making decisions, but it is not in itself an ethical dilemma. What couples do with the information is their personal decision.

What was a significant contributing factor for the emergence of a primary care role for nurses?

Great Society With President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" came the emergence of the role of nurse practitioner (NP) in primary care.

Which factors influenced nursing education?

Immigrants Influx of immigrants led to population increase, and many people living in cramped and squalid conditions, which promoted the spread of disease. Physician support Physicians recognized the need for educated nurses, on and off the battlefield. Florence Nightingale's teachings The writings of Florence Nightingale supported a need for formal nursing education. Need for nurses during war times During war times, the need for skilled and trained nurses was greatly increased.

Which were notable contributions related to minority nurses?

Immigration increased in the United States. The arrival of large numbers of immigrants overwhelmed the available health care resources, and African American nurses were needed to help with the numerous health concerns of the growing population. The Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary was established. This was the first school for African American nurses, established in Atlanta in 1886. It later became Spelman College. Mary Seacole set up a hospital during the Crimean War. A Jamaican nurse, Seacole set up a hospital for soldiers during the Crimean War. This was after paying for her own travel to Great Britain.

Match the historical event with the impact it had on contemporary nursing.

Inadequate curriculum development in nursing education Professional organizations were established. Deplorable conditions suffered by soldiers during Crimean War Florence Nightingale insisted on cleanliness. Physicians acknowledging the benefits of trained nurses The first American nursing schools were formed. Nursing driving procurement processes and supply chain in health careClara Barton set a system for supply distribution.

Match each change in nursing with the societal change that played a part in driving it.

Increased number of men entering nursing Media portrayal and gender stereotypes changes. The establishment of standardized nursing education Recognition of nursing professional standards. The addition of gerontologic nursing into most nursing school curricula Care of older patients is a primary concern. Increased participation in nursing by minority groups Increased immigration and cultural awareness.

What is the purpose of an advance directive?

It allows individuals to determine their care plan in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves. An advance directive is a legal document determining the extent of what individuals want done in the event of them being unable to make a decision related to their own care.

How have advances in technology had an impact on contemporary nursing?

Nurses must adapt their knowledge and skill sets to advances in technology. Technological advances occur quickly, and nurses must be adaptable and quickly acquire knowledge in order to work in an ever-changing health care environment.

Which are examples of challenges nurses overcame to further the nursing profession?

Nursing shortages At numerous times in American history, there were critical shortages of nurses in the military and serving in hospitals. These shortages led to special recruitment of nurses which, in turn, expanded their scope of practice. Performing emergency procedures without physician supervision Nurses in combat zones, most notably Vietnam, set up tent hospitals and often were required to perform emergency procedures with no physician supervision. This lead to the emergence of advance practice nurses.

What past nursing experience made Susan a good disaster team leader?

Officer ranking Susan's experience as an officer in the Iraq conflict would make her a valuable and experienced leader during a disaster drill.

Men have identified which factors as reasons they enter the nursing profession?

Opportunity for advancement Men and women have an equal opportunity for advancement in nursing. Both may enter the field with the intention of advancing to management. A genuine desire to provide patient care Many men enter nursing because of a desire to care for patients in a more personal, individualized manner than a physician. Stable career option As gender norms have changed, there is increased societal acceptance of men in nursing. Increased opportunity for advancement Men have stated they perceive that nursing is a growing profession with many career paths and that this is one of the top three reasons they pursue a career in nursing.

What contemporary philosophy in nursing originated with the theories of Hildegard Peplau?

Patient-centered care Peplau reinforced the idea that a patient and family should be collaborative in their own care, which was the basis for patient-centered care.

In what ways did wars impact the advancement of nursing?

Provided leadership roles for nurses At the start of the Crimean War, no organized system of medical care existed. Nurses became leaders during this time in establishing hospitals and providing for better patient conditions during and after wars. Increased awareness of the value of nursing Field surgeons, soldiers, and the general public became increasingly aware of the valuable contributions of skilled nurses. Cramped, unsanitary conditions of field hospitals The deplorable conditions of field hospitals were an opportunity for nurses to establish and promote cleanliness and improved conditions for patients. Large numbers of patients with limited medical resources Field surgeons were overextended in wartime hospitals. Trained nurses were valuable in assisting with care and procedures.

Besides the ability to take a leadership role, what other skills does Susan have that would be useful during disaster drills?

Rapid response to situations Rapid responses are necessary during disasters and disaster drills to save as many people as possible. Adapting care to unusual situations The ability adapt care to unusual situations is important during disasters. Knowledge of significant wound care Significant wounds are likely during a disaster, and knowledge of treating these wounds is very useful.

Which were the first American nursing schools specifically modeled from?

St. Thomas' Hospital Nursing School in London Florence Nightingale founded St. Thomas' Hospital Nursing School, and the first American nursing schools were modeled after it.

What historic events advanced opportunity and valuable contributions of African American nurses?

World War II African American nurses were included in the Cadet Nurse Corps, although segregation continued. Typhoid epidemic Many African American nurses who had typhoid fever in the past were utilized in the care of typhoid patients. Many of them were untrained. Spanish-American War African American nurses were widely used during this conflict. Namahyoke Curtis was the first African American nurse employed by the War Department during this time.