Nurses often reminisce about the “good old days” of nursing by sharing old photos and anecdotes. Historical artifacts illustrate changes in society and nursing. This article explores the history of nursing, and identifies some of the changes evident in the South African professional nurse’s scope of practice. The 19th century basic hygienists evolved into 21st century, independent, scientifically minded, professional practitioners who have the potential to contribute significantly to the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
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