Nursing is an ever-evolving profession that has been shaped by the needs of society throughout history. In the UK, there have been nursing specialities that no longer exist due to advancements in medicine and public health. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these fascinating nursing specialities from Fever Nurses to TB Nurses, and delve into their historical significance. We’ll also highlight some fun facts at the end of the post, so keep reading!
Fever Nurses:
- During the 19th century, outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera, typhoid, and scarlet fever were common.
- Fever nurses were specially trained to care for patients with these diseases and to prevent their spread.
- They were known for their distinctive uniform: a white dress, black apron, and red cape.
Plague Nurses:
- In the Middle Ages, the bubonic plague ravaged Europe, killing millions.
- Plague nurses were responsible for caring for patients with the plague and preventing its spread.
- They wore a distinctive uniform, which included a long robe, gloves, and a mask with a long beak that was filled with aromatic herbs to ward off the disease.
Sanitary Nurses:
- In the 19th century, the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing disease became more widely recognized.
- Sanitary nurses were trained to educate the public about proper sanitation practices and to promote hygiene.
- They were also responsible for inspecting public spaces like schools and factories to ensure they were clean and safe.
Ether Nurses:
- In the early 20th century, ether was commonly used as an anaesthetic for surgeries.
- Ether nurses were specially trained to administer ether and to monitor patients during surgery.
- They also helped patients recover from the effects of ether after surgery.
Lobotomy Nurses:
- In the mid-20th century, lobotomies were sometimes used to treat mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression.
- Lobotomy nurses were responsible for caring for patients before and after the procedure, as well as monitoring their progress.
- Today, lobotomies are no longer used as a treatment for mental illness.
Iron Lung Nurses:
- In the 20th century, polio was a devastating disease that caused paralysis and respiratory failure in some patients.
- Iron lung nurses were trained to care for patients who were confined to iron lungs, which were machines that helped them breathe.
- With the development of the polio vaccine in the 1950s, the need for iron lung nurses declined.
Nightingale Nurses:
- Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing.
- Nightingale nurses were trained in her principles of nursing care, which emphasized hygiene, fresh air, and proper nutrition.
- They were known for their distinctive uniform, which included a blue dress, white apron, and cap.
TB Nurses:
- In the early 20th century, tuberculosis was a major public health concern.
- TB nurses were responsible for caring for patients with tuberculosis and preventing its spread.
- They were known for their distinctive uniform, which included a white dress, blue cloak, and a badge that read “TB Nurse.”
Fun Facts:
- Florence Nightingale was the first woman to be awarded the Order of Merit, one of the highest honours in the UK.
- In the 1930s, there was a nursing speciality called “Flying Angel Nurses” who provided medical care to passengers on airplanes.
- During World War II, there were “Jungle Nurses” who provided medical care to soldiers in the jungle.
The nursing specialities of the past reflect the diverse healthcare needs and challenges of their respective eras. From combating infectious diseases to pioneering new treatment techniques, these nurses made significant contributions to healthcare history. While these specialities may no longer exist, their legacies live on in the evolution of modern nursing. Let us honour and appreciate the dedicated professionals who paved the way for nursing as we know it today.
