I.

Historical periods in health and health education development

A. Egyptian health practice - from primitive to 1000 BC
B. Hebrew health code - around 1500-500 BC
C. Greek approach to health - about 1000-200 BC
D. Roman health promotion - about 100 BC-AD 500
E. Ascetism- Dark Ages - 400-1000
F. Revival of concept of a sound body - 1096-1248
G. The pre-modern period of health - health from 1500-1800
H. Modern Era of health - 1850 to the present

Subdivisions:

a. Miasma Phase 1850-1880

b. Bacteriology phase 1880-1910
c. Health resource phase 1910-1960
d. Social engineering phase 1960-1974
e. Health promotion phase 1974-present

II. Historical Foundations for the Teaching Role of Nurses

A. Mid-1800s
 caring for the sick
 Promoting the health of the well public
 Educating nurses for professional practice

Florence Nightingale
 She developed the first school of nursing
 She taught nurses, physicians, and health officials about the importance of proper
conditions in hospitals and homes to improve the health of the people
 She emphasized the importance of teaching patients of the need for adequate nutrition,
fresh air, exercise and personal hygiene to improve total well-being

B. Early 1900s
 PHN significant role of the nurse as a teacher in the prevention of disease and maintenance
of health

C. 1918
 National League of Nursing Education in the US observed the importance of health teaching
as a function within the scope of nursing practice

D. 1940s
 NLNE recognized nurses as agents for the promotion of health and prevention of illness in all
settings in which they practice
E. 1950
 NLNE identified course content in nursing school curricula to prepare nurses to assume the
role as teachers to others