Nursing Foundations

Florence Nightingale pioneered what is recognized as the first correlation between infection and unclean conditions, a discovery made during the Crimean war.
She recognized the critical importance of careful data collection, which she performed through note-taking and the use of hand-drawn graphs and charts to illustrate the correlation between cleanliness and health.
She reported her findings and data to authorities to create systemic change, providing the foundational basis for current practices in infection control strategies.
Nightingale recognized the direct connection between calming client fears and instilling hope, noting their positive impact upon the healing process.

Nursing education consist of multiple levels of programs with varied learning experiences to reach the diverse needs of learners and to achieve criteria for safe client practice.
Program Options:
- Two-year ( $2$ -year) associate degree nursing program.
- Three-year ( $3$ -year) diploma program.
- Four-year ( $4$ -year) bachelor of science degree program.
All registered nursing students take the same NCLEX-RN board exam to begin at an entry-level position.

Health literacy refers to clients' knowledge and understanding regarding their specific health conditions.
This includes clients performing their own research about their health, which is often conducted online, resulting in the acquisition of a working knowledge concerning their health care options.
Health literacy is often an unrealized goal because its execution may not be succinct among health care providers.
When health literacy is not present, it can lead to poor health outcomes for the client.

Nurses provide care for the whole person, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
This holistic approach applies whether the nurse is providing direct care for the client or acting as an advocate to arrange for appropriate care to fulfill the client's needs and concerns.

Nurses must respect the unique differences of all individuals.
Nurses are trusted to address diverse clients with integrity, honesty, and compassion, regardless of the nurse's individual feelings and beliefs or the client's identity.
Individuals who experience discrimination and nonacceptance do not feel supported or respected; this environment may result in their health care needs not being addressed or met.

Case managers serve as a conduit between clients and the health care system.
They ensure clients receive the care they need to safely navigate the health care system and achieve a safe outcome.
They afford clients the highest level of care through the implementation of an interdisciplinary care plan.