Date of Award
Fall 1951
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Beck, Berenice M.
Second Advisor
Beikler, Virgilian M.
Third Advisor
Fink, Elizabeth E.
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine trends in nursing from actual data and thus learn more definitely what experiences are available and should be included in the basic nursing curriculum. During the years 1940 through 1949 important medical advances were made; among these were increased patient activity, including early ambulation, and the use of such newly discovered drugs as penicillin and streptomycin. Since changes in medical practice are directly reflected in the nursing care of patients, it is well for nurses to pause and in retrospect determine how greatly such medical advances influence nursing care. A careful review of the following literature did not yield any published studies on this particular problem: (1) American Journal of Nursing, 1940 - 1950 inclusive; (2) Teachers College Record, 1940 - 1950; (3) Educational Index, 1938 through February 1951. Although there are a great many intangibles in the nursing care of patients, which are not recorded and which cannot be measured, one can at least tabulate, with relative accuracy, the precise number of times a specific treatment or medication was given to specific types of patients during certain years. This study is such an attempt. However, individuals familiar with the busy routine of a hospital will realize that, for one reason or another, not all care rendered to patients is always recorded. In some hospitals it is the policy not to record certain routine treatments. Often such procedures as changing dressings and emptying drainage bottles are merely recorded as P.R.N.
Recommended Citation
Rouse, Evelyn B., "Trends in Nursing Care from 1940 through 1949" (1951). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3728.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3728