FACTORS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING

There are many factors that have influenced or imparted the field of nursing. These factors include:

 Societal changes: Over the years, there has been increased in the rural-urban migration, rapid spread of diseases through fast modes of traveling, changes in the demography of the population, increased life span, unemployment, increased job-related or family related stresses, and diversity of cultures. This calls for a nurse who understands the implication of these changes on the health of the client. The nurse should be able to provide a culturally relevant care for the client.

Consumer needs: With the advent of internet and other modes of information and communication, the client the nurse of modern times will deal with have a different view and approach compared to the past. The nurse needs to be aware of these so that he/she can answer the questions and concerns of the client. They nurse should have the right information to be able to counteract myths and beliefs of the client related to health. Clients have also become more health conscious so more and more people are embracing health promotion and wellness programs. The modern nurse should be ready for this as well.

 New emerging threats: With the increased in terrorism such as nuclear, chemical and bioterrorism, special training of nurses in disaster management and decontamination have been instituted in some schools and colleges.  Nursing has, therefore, moved beyond the traditional bedside care in hospital settings into the field.

·         Healthcare Delivery System: Navigating the healthcare system can be very complex with numerous health insurances, Medicaid, etc. Cost of healthcare is also on the increase and the conditions covered by these programs/insurances vary from one program to another. The nurse has to be aware of these programs in order to provide cost-effective management.

·         Evidence-based practice: There are many research findings that are published each day. The nurse has to constantly educate himself/herself to be abreast with the progress in this field. Management of clients keeps changing with these research findings. A nurse should be able to incorporate these new techniques/procedures into the case management while still respecting the values of the client.

·         Nursing and Biomedical Research: The nurse should be ready to contribute to the growing knowledge of research.  This requires developing research skills and critical minds.

·         Nurse as an Educator: With the growing shortage of nursing, clients are usually discharged home early to continue their treatments at home. The nurse has to develop good communication skills in order to be able to educate the client on how to continue the management outside the hospital settings.