This paper traces the historical development of nursing science from Florence Nightingale's foundational contributions in the mid-nineteenth century through major milestones of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It presents a chronological timeline of significant events, theorists, and legislative achievements that shaped the nursing profession. The paper also examines the reciprocal relationship between nursing science and professional nursing practice, drawing on definitions from leading nursing scholars. Finally, it explores how external disciplines — including psychology, anthropology, education, and religion — have each contributed to the growth and evolution of nursing science as a distinct body of knowledge.
The historical development of nursing science can largely be traced back to the era of Florence Nightingale. It is important to note, however, that nursing as a largely independent profession has over the past century converged into a well-founded culture of theoretical perspectives. In this paper, a nursing science historical development timeline is presented, with mention of specific theorists, theories, years, and significant events in nursing history. The relationship between the profession and nursing science is also examined, along with a discussion of how nursing is influenced by select disciplines including psychology, anthropology, education, and religion.
Considered by many to be the pioneer of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale joined The Institute of St. Vincent de Paul in 1850 to begin her training as a nurse.
In 1860, Nightingale published Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not, the same year she gained recognition as the first nursing theorist. In her environmental theory, Nightingale argued that deficiencies in factors such as light, cleanliness, efficient drainage, pure water, and fresh air could give rise to illness.
In 1869, American Medical Association (AMA) President Samuel Gross presented a report to the AMA titled "Remarks on the Training of Nurses," which substantially advanced the agenda for formal nurse training.
In 1886, the first American nursing journal, The Nightingale, was published.
In 1893, Lillian Wald established New York City's Henry Street Settlement House. Wald's insistence that illness be considered within both its economic and social contexts informed healthcare reforms that were widely regarded as pragmatic and innovative.
In 1899, the International Council of Nurses was established.
In 1902, New Zealand's Ellen Daugherty was registered as a nurse, becoming the world's first registered nurse (RN).
In 1912, Queen Elizabeth chartered the Royal College of Nursing, marking a significant step forward in nursing education.
In 1919, a number of countries, including the United States, passed the Nurses Registration Act, effectively professionalizing nursing.
In 1956, Columbia University's nursing school became the first in the United States to offer a master's degree in nursing.
In 1971, the United States established specialist nursing intervention for the dying, recognizing the unique care needs of terminally ill patients.
In 2010, the Institute for the Future of Nursing (IFN) released evidence-based recommendations aimed at driving improvements in healthcare delivery.
According to Zaccagnini and White (2011), examining the definition of nursing as a term is the most effective way to arrive at a definition of nursing science. As the authors note, "Parse (1997) offered a different focus when she wrote that nursing is a discipline organized around nursing knowledge, and the practice of nursing is a performing art." Andrist, Nicholas, and Wolf (2006) further define the field: "Nursing science, a basic science, is the substantive discipline-specific knowledge that focuses on the human-universe-health process articulated in the nursing frameworks and theories." These authors note that as a discipline, nursing is viewed from two major dimensions — as a science and as a profession. Nursing practice, in this sense, actualizes the reciprocal relationship between the nursing profession and nursing science (Andrist, Nicholas, and Wolf, 2006).
As Omery, Christine, and Gayle (1995) observe, nursing literature over the past half century has been marked by a sustained search for the professional identity of nursing. This search has largely driven the development of nursing research and nursing science at the doctoral and master's program levels. In this respect, the professionalization of nursing has furthered the agenda for nursing science. Both dimensions — science and profession — can be seen as contributing collectively to the broader body of nursing knowledge.
"Roles of psychology, anthropology, education, and religion"
Education has had a particularly direct impact on nursing science, occupying a central role in its development. Beyond preparing nurses for their diverse professional responsibilities, education has also been instrumental in driving research efforts within the discipline.
Anthropology has contributed to nursing science by providing a framework for understanding cultural diversity in healthcare, including the identification of ethnic and racial differences that affect patient care. This understanding has largely positive implications for nursing practice. Psychology, as the study of mental processes and behavior, has similarly influenced nursing science — particularly in efforts to enhance patient well-being through an understanding of individuals' feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
In conclusion, professional nursing practice is largely founded on nursing science. The decision-making process in clinical settings is guided by the critical thinking frameworks provided by nursing theories. With this foundation in place, the nursing discipline is expected to continue evolving as new discoveries emerge and knowledge advances in both nursing science and professional nursing practice.
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