Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War
Florence Nightingale's work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for modern nursing. Her efforts in improving sanitary conditions and patient care drastically reduced the mortality rate.
1854
1860
Establishment of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses
Florence Nightingale established the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, marking the beginning of formal nursing education.
1873
First Nursing Schools in the United States
The first three nursing schools in the United States were established in 1873: Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in New York, Connecticut Training School in New Haven, and Boston Training School in Massachusetts.
1899
Foundation of the International Council of Nurses (ICN)
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) was founded, providing a global voice for the nursing profession and promoting high standards of practice and education.
1901
First State Registration of Nurses in the United States
New Zealand became the first country to regulate nursing as a profession, introducing registration for nurses.
1916
Formation of the American Nurses Association (ANA)
The American Nurses Association was formed to advance and protect the nursing profession in the United States through advocacy, education, and regulation.
1923
Goldmark Report on Nursing Education
The Goldmark Report highlighted the need for university-based nursing education and led to significant reforms in nursing education standards.
1952
Introduction of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing was introduced, providing a faster route to becoming a registered nurse and helping to address nursing shortages.
1965
ANA's Position Paper on Nursing Education
The American Nurses Association published a position paper advocating for the baccalaureate degree as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice.
1970
Establishment of Nurse Practitioner Programs
The first nurse practitioner programs were established, expanding the roles and responsibilities of nurses in primary care and specialty areas.
1980
Introduction of Magnet Recognition Program
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) introduced the Magnet Recognition Program to recognize healthcare organizations that provide excellent nursing care.
1990
Formation of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
The National Institute of Nursing Research was established within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support research that builds the scientific foundation for clinical practice.
2004
Launch of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree was introduced to prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership roles.
2010
The Future of Nursing Report by the Institute of Medicine
The Institute of Medicine published "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health," recommending key changes to nursing education, practice, and leadership to improve healthcare.
2020
Year of the Nurse and Midwife
The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife to recognize the critical contributions of nurses and midwives to global health.
2024
Advancements in Nursing Technology and Telehealth
The nursing profession continues to evolve with advancements in technology, including telehealth, electronic health records, and AI-based tools, enhancing patient care and nursing practice.
