The evolution of nursing care of the normal newborn from 1800 to 2000: From a derived standard of care framework

The intention of this study was to explore and analyze the evolution of newborn nursing practice in the United States from 1800 through 2000 from a derived standard of care perspective. The derived standard of care focused on the normal newborn's basic and various needs for optimal growth and development and capabilities. The derived standard of care was extracted from educational sources currently available to nurses.; The holistic derived standard of care perspective extended to the newborn's caregivers. Generally, parents with limited exposure to newborns require education to facilitate their parenting skills to provide opportunities for optimal development of the child. Therefore, the nurse has an obligation to educate parents through direct instruction and modeling to ensure their understanding of safe and effective childrearing practices.; Philosophically, nursing has embraced a holistic perspective for the client receiving care. Hence, nurses have attempted to meet the individual's unique needs. Therefore, the nursing care provided to newborns warrants investigation to ensure their optimal well being.; The two-century time frame was chosen to illuminate the basis of current newborn care. Analysis began with the 19th century since it was marked by the first opportunity in the United States for individuals to receive formalized education for newborn nursing through a series of lectures (Seaman, 1800). Historical analysis was utilized with the reliance on textbooks as the data source for suggested nursing care of the eras. As a result of nursing's changing role in society and technologic advances nursing care has been altered over time. Implications for practice and recommendations for research in relation to newborn nursing care were determined.; An implication for practice is that newborn nursing care must be evidence-based to ensure that it is grounded in rational judgment. A historical account of newborn nursing is necessary in maternal-child textbooks to provide nurses with a better appreciation of practice. Further investigation of cross cultural practices in relation to newborn care is necessary to fully understand their nature. Furthermore, it is necessary to determine the nature of actual newborn nursing practice since it may differ from prescribed care. Lastly, nurse researchers should collaborate with researchers in related disciplines to advance the knowledge of newborns and better understand their needs. Through further research effort newborn nursing care can be affirmed as the best possible.