An analysis of the historical context of liberal education in nursing education from 1924 to 1939

Abstract

This study examines in historical context the liberal education theme in nursing education as expressed in nursing literature from 1924 to 1939. The specific questions addressed are: What is the nature of liberal education as presented in the literature of the time? What did nurse educators believe would be the effect of the liberal education of the nurse on the profession of nursing? To what extent did the articulation of beliefs regarding liberal education paraliel the development of nursing education at the collegiate level? The data include literature published in the major nursing journals, the proceedings of the national professional nursing organizations, and the major studies of nursing by various committees. The literature was examined for central themes. The study concludes that during this period, nurse educators believed the purposes of a liberal education for nurses to be the development of the individual and the citizen, the acquisition of cultural knowledge, the development of critical thinking, and the possession of a strong sclence background. A nurse with these abilities would be able to meet the changing demands of practice at a professional level. The college and university continued to be viewed as the optimum site for this education. © 1991.