The Importance of Nursing in American Culture Essay

The Importance of Nursing in American Culture Nursing is a field of work that so many people find themselves fascinated with, as well as harboring a degree of respect. We look to nurses with a sense of admiration and reverence, and look to them for security in times of need. What makes nursing such a desirable and enthralling field to other people? Despite the fact that doctors are normally under the spotlight, nursing is of profound importance in American culture. Nurses provide comfort and security, as well as a knowledge of medical aid. The field of nursing has the benefit of coming from a field that is ancient, yet timeless and has blossomed throughout history to make a large impact on our culture today. A nurse’s role in our†¦show more content†¦In America’s society today there is a large obesity issue as well as other life endangering problems that stem from a poor choice of lifestyle (Nurses: If Florence Could See Us Now). Nursing comes with being a role model to others, and they can use their influence to model what a healthy human being should be doing to take care of him or herself. Not only by voicing it, but also by showing it. Nursing in America has evolved throughout the years into the profession that is essential, respected, and admired today. Nursing is one of the oldest known professions in American history (Whelan). As far back as recorded in history, the first example alluding to the inevitable profession of nursing, was a wet nurse. A wet nurse, was someone who had recently lost their baby, just weaned their baby, or was capable of nursing multiple babies at one time. Wet nurses were used to nurse infants whose mothers had died in childbirth or were unable to perform the nursing duties themselves. The American civil war fought from 1861 to 1865, began the building of hospitals and the development of the future profession of nursing. Initially, nurses were female. Originally known as â€Å"camp followers†, women became a sort of wartime volunteer. â€Å"Camp followers† were women, sometimes wives, sometimes mistresses, who followed their soldier men throughout the war (Whelan). Florence Nightingale is who is attributed for beginning the nursing education programs in America. Nightingale, a wartime nurseShow MoreRelatedWhat Are The Affects Of Nursing Care On Cultural Patients?1123 Words   |  5 Pagesthe affects of Nursing care on cultural patients? Shenicka O’Brien Shenandoah University N306 Theory Pamela Cangelosi, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF April 10, 2017 Introduction Today, the migration to the United States, have increased greatly throughout the years. The US has opened their doors for multiple different, races, ethnicity, cultures etc. As of 2010, 72.4% of the United States was white, 14% African American, 17.3 Hispanic, 4.8 % Asian American, and 0.9% American Indian. 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