Describe the background of the nurse selected.

1. Select a nurse that historically contributed to the profession’s advancement.
Describe the background of the nurse selected.
Discuss the significant social issues occurring at the time the nurse lived.
Describe two contributions the nurse made in practice, including explaining how these two unique contributions influenced current nursing practice.
2. View the videos of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.
Video: Florence Nightingale
Compare and contrast three significant similarities and three major differences in their values, personalities, and practice philosophy. Which nurse leader do you identify with and why?
3. Diversity in nursing.
What would be the benefits of having greater diversity in the nursing workforce today? Compare and contrast the concepts of inclusion and equity when promoting population-specific positive nursing outcomes. 4. The post should be at least 300 words. Observe APA 7th edition
THE ANSWER
**1. Contribution of Dorothea Dix**
– **Background of Dorothea Dix:**
– Dorothea Dix was an American nurse and social reformer born in 1802 in Hampden, Maine. She came from a troubled family background but managed to become a renowned figure in the fields of nursing and mental health reform during the 19th century.
– **Social Issues at the Time:**
– During the 19th century, the United States faced significant social issues related to the treatment of individuals with mental illnesses. At that time, those suffering from mental health conditions were often confined to prisons, almshouses, or left to fend for themselves in inhumane conditions. Mental health care was virtually nonexistent, and there was little understanding or compassion for individuals with these conditions.
– **Contributions in Practice:**
– **Mental Health Advocacy:** Dorothea Dix’s most significant contribution was her tireless advocacy for the rights and humane treatment of individuals with mental illnesses. She conducted extensive research, documenting the appalling conditions in which mentally ill individuals were kept. Her advocacy led to the establishment of mental asylums and hospitals dedicated to providing proper care and treatment for those with mental illnesses. Her work laid the foundation for modern psychiatric nursing and the more compassionate treatment of individuals with mental health conditions.
– **Nursing Leadership:** Dix’s work extended beyond mental health advocacy. During the American Civil War, she served as the Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union Army. In this role, she organized and trained nurses to care for wounded soldiers. Her contributions to nursing leadership helped pave the way for the professionalization of nursing and the importance of nursing education.
**2. Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole**
– **Similarities:**
– **Passion for Nursing:** Both Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole shared an unwavering passion for nursing and a strong commitment to caring for the sick and wounded, especially during times of crisis such as war.
– **Pioneers in Nursing:** They were pioneers in the field of nursing, challenging traditional gender roles and making significant contributions to the development of modern nursing practice.
– **Cultural Relevance:** Both nurses operated in different cultural contexts (Nightingale in Europe, Seacole in the Caribbean and Crimea), and they adapted their nursing practices to address the specific needs of their patients.
– **Differences:**
– **Background:** Nightingale came from a wealthy English family and received formal education, while Seacole was of Jamaican and Scottish descent and faced racial discrimination in her efforts to serve as a nurse.
– **Methods of Care:** Nightingale is often associated with her emphasis on sanitation and statistics, whereas Seacole was known for her hands-on and practical approach to nursing care.
– **Recognition:** Nightingale is more widely recognized and celebrated in the history of nursing, while Seacole’s contributions were somewhat overlooked for many years due to racial biases.
**3. Diversity in Nursing:**
– **Benefits of Greater Diversity:** Having greater diversity in the nursing workforce brings numerous benefits, including improved cultural competence, enhanced patient care, increased access to care for underserved populations, and a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ needs and backgrounds.
– **Inclusion vs. Equity:** Inclusion involves creating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel respected, valued, and fully integrated. Equity, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring fairness and justice, addressing historical disparities, and providing resources and opportunities to overcome systemic barriers. Both inclusion and equity are crucial for promoting positive nursing outcomes, as they contribute to a more diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce.
These historical and contemporary perspectives on nursing pioneers and diversity emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of nurses from all backgrounds and the ongoing need for diversity and equity in the nursing profession.