Final answer:
Convent deaconesses served as the first public health nurses, providing care to those in need. This role expanded over time, with nursing sisters in World War I playing a crucial role in healthcare. The establishment of hospitals and training schools by African American communities also contributed significantly to the development of nursing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first public health nurses, caring for the sick and the poor, were largely convent deaconesses. These early nurses were associated with religious institutions and provided care to those in need. This tradition of nursing has deep historical roots and has evolved over time.
During periods such as World War I, the role of nurses became increasingly important, as they served both on the front lines and in supporting roles at home. For instance, the Canadian Army Medical Corps in World War I included a considerable contingent of nursing sisters. Their efforts were critical in providing medical care in numerous settings, including bombed hospitals and on ships bringing soldiers back home.
Canadian nursing sisters were prominently involved in war efforts, with a total of 3,141 serving during World War I. Their impact was significant not only due to their contributions in medical settings but also as pioneers in the evolution of the nursing profession. Nurses like Edith who worked in public health and school nursing exemplified the expanding roles that nurses have played beyond traditional hospital settings.
Additionally, contributions by African American communities in the United States highlight important history. Facing discrimination, these communities, such as the one involved with the Provident Hospital in Chicago, played a crucial role in establishing hospitals and training schools to cater to their healthcare needs, including the training of Black nurses.