Final answer:
Nursing as a profession has been shaped by events such as the establishment of the ANA and the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. Prominent figures like Florence Nightingale and Virginia Henderson have also played important roles. Theory development has enhanced nursing practice, education, and research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing as a profession has been shaped by various events and people over the past 100 years. Some key events include the establishment of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1911, the development of nursing research in the 1950s, and the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s. Prominent figures such as Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing, and Virginia Henderson, who formulated the influential nursing theory known as the '14 Basic Needs,' have also played important roles in shaping nursing as a profession.
The focus on theory development has had a significant role in the evolution of nursing. Nursing theories provide a framework for understanding and guiding nursing practice, education, and research. They help nurses to articulate their knowledge, enhance critical thinking skills, and improve the quality of patient care. For example, theories such as Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring emphasize the importance of the nurse-patient relationship and the holistic nature of nursing care. Overall, theory development has contributed to the professionalization and advancement of the nursing field.