What impact did the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment have on nursing?

The transition of nursing education from monasteries to universities during the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment represents a significant shift in how nursing was viewed and structured as a profession. This period marked a growing emphasis on education, science, and empiricism, leading to a more formalized approach to nursing training.

Historically, nursing prior to this period was often linked to religious institutions, where care was provided in a more ad-hoc and less formalized manner. With the Enlightenment’s focus on knowledge and rational thinking, nursing began to be seen as a discipline that required formal education and structured training. This shift allowed for broader access to nursing education and ultimately contributed to the profession gaining respect and credibility.

The establishment of universities as places of higher learning provided the necessary infrastructure to develop a curriculum that educated nurses in a scientific and systematic way, laying the foundation for modern nursing education. This move not only improved the skill-set of nurses but also contributed to the overall advancement of healthcare practices during this transformative era.