The Evolution of Nursing and Centuries of Heroism
Nursing stands as the largest healthcare profession in the United States, with nearly five million registered nurses (RNs) and an anticipated annual growth of 200,000 new RNs through 2031. Yet, despite this promising outlook, a 2022 report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) forecasts a shortfall of over 78,000 full-time RNs in 2025 and nearly 64,000 by 2030. The rise of travel nursing has helped address these gaps, offering hospitals flexible, on-demand staffing and maintaining high-quality care nationwide.
From Ancient Roots to Modern Roles
Nursing has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient Rome, evolving over centuries to become the high-tech, specialized field it is today. Florence Nightingale, regarded as the founder of modern nursing, revolutionized patient care during the Crimean War, emphasizing hygiene, sanitation, and structured training. Her legacy lives on through the first formal nursing school, opened in 1860, and through National Nurses Week, which culminates on her birthday, May 12.
Trailblazers Who Changed the Field
From war zones to innovation labs, nurses have long shaped healthcare. Clara Barton, known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” later founded the American Red Cross.
Other trailblazers include:
Linda Richards: America’s first professionally trained nurse and pioneer of medical record-keeping.
Virginia Henderson: Developer of the “Need Theory,” which redefined the nurse-patient relationship.
Mary Ezra Mahoney: The first African American RN, who broke racial barriers and co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.
Adda May Allen: Inventor of the disposable baby bottle liner.
Anita Dorr: Creator of the now-essential crash cart.
Luther Christman: Advocate for men in nursing and champion of educational reform.
Dr. Rebecca Koszalinski: Developer of Speak for Myself®, a mobile app that gives speech-vulnerable patients a voice.
A Critical Moment in Modern Nursing
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the indispensable role of nurses, especially travel RNs who quickly filled emergency staffing needs. Their ability to provide care on day one in unfamiliar settings showed the profession’s unmatched adaptability.
Looking ahead, the demand for nurses is only expected to rise—driven by an aging population and a wave of retirements within the current nursing workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% job growth for RNs and 45% growth for nurse practitioners, midwives, and anesthetists between 2020 and 2030.
Investing in the Future of Nursing
As nursing continues to evolve alongside medical innovation, regulation, and digital transformation, the profession remains anchored by its core value: putting patient needs first. Today, there’s a renewed focus on mental health and wellness for nurses, particularly those facing burnout, depression, or anxiety. Supporting their wellbeing is essential not only for retention but for ensuring that patients continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care.
Celebrating the Legacy
Heroism is embedded in the identity of nursing. From historic battlefields to hospital corridors during a pandemic, nurses have repeatedly sacrificed, innovated, and persevered. Their contributions to communities, hospitals, schools, and homes are invaluable.
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we honor the rich history, resilience, and bright future of these champions of healthcare. The journey of nursing continues—and so does the unwavering spirit that defines it.
