The overall aim of this module is to examine the various ways in which nursing has been represented historically and is portrayed in popular culture and how this, in turn, has influenced our individual and collective sense of ourselves as nurses.
The module examines two interwoven strands, the development of nursing as a profession and the theoretical basis of the discipline. Evidence from a range of sources will be used to illustrate personal, public and professional representations of nurses and their work. Contemporary social, cultural, philosophical and political pressures shaping nursing as a professional discipline, its regulation and its practice will be considered, as will key historical influences and events.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
Critically appraise the value of modern nursing and the factors influencing this.
Critically analyse historical and contemporary representations of nursing.
Trace the development of the social, cultural, philosophical and political influences on contemporary nursing.
Critically explore the distinction between lay and professional care and explore how the role of the nurse has evolved in health and social care practice.
Critically evaluate the specific contribution of nursing knowledge and theories of caring to health and social care practice.
Critically examine the role of professional regulation, registration and the NMC in the protection of the public.
Critically debate how nurses can positively influence public perceptions and representations of nursing.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay - 2000 words
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
Non-compensatable
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay - 2000 words
N/A
100
Module feedback
Written feedback for summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Indicative reading
Hallam, J. (2000). Nursing the image: media, culture and professional identity. Routledge: London.
Hart, C. (2004). Nursing and politics: the impact of power and practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Nelson, S. and Rafferty, A.M. (Eds.). (2010). Notes on Nightingale: the influence and legacy of a nursing icon. Ithaca: ILR Press.
NMC (2008). The code: standards for conduct performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. [Online]. Available at: http://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/