Who were the early nurses and who controlled the professional workforce?

In the early history of nursing, deacons and deaconesses played a significant role in providing care, particularly in Christian communities. They were often responsible for tending to the sick, which included administering to both physical and spiritual needs. This practice was rooted in the early Christian teachings that emphasized compassion and care for the afflicted. As the healthcare landscape evolved, these individuals became instrumental in developing a more organized approach to nursing care, often within the confines of religious institutions.

Their involvement established a foundational model for the care of the sick, focusing on service to the community and support for those in need. This control of the workforce by deacons and deaconesses marked the beginning of a more formal structure in the field of nursing. While other groups, like physicians and surgeons, played a vital role in medical practice, the direct caregiving and nurturing roles traditionally associated with nursing were primarily held by deacons and deaconesses during those early times.