An Historical Inquiry to Identify the Contribution Beatrice Salmon's Writings Made to Nursing Education in New Zealand, 1969-1972

Abstract

The purpose of this historical inquiry is to identify the contribution Salmon made to nursing education in New Zealand during the period from 1969 to 1972. The inquiry identifies one particular aspect of Salmon's contribution to nursing education as related to four journal articles written in the New Zealand Nursing Journal between 1969 to 1972. The four journal articles are "Insulation Bred those Myths of Nursing," "Toffler's Disease," " Nursing in the Age of Automation" and lastly, "Cap and Gown Forty-Years Later." The New Zealand Nursing Journal was chosen as it was the professional journal for nursing at the time Salmon was involved in nursing education. The aim of this study will be to identify Beatrice Salmon's contribution to nursing education in New Zealand, as expressed in these four key articles. The inquiry is divided into seven sections which cover firstly, the introduction, nursing leadership, historical inquiry, Beatrice Salmon - her life. Secondly, Development of Nursing in New Zealand and an overview of the articles. Thirdly, "Insulation Bred those Myths of Nursing," fourthly, "Toffler's Disease," fifthly, "Nursing in the Age of Automation," sixth, "Cap and Gown- Forty Years Later" and lastly comments and conclusions. The key findings from this historical inquiry are that Salmon was one of the first nursing leaders to challenge and critique the state of nursing education in New Zealand. As a result of Salmon's writing and vision she was able to identify significant themes that have influenced nursing education during this period. Firstly, nurses needed to be able to adapt to change as a result of the rapid change in health care. Secondly, nurses needed a broad based education to enable them to understand the wholistic nature of nursing. Thirdly, university education for nurses fosters a spirit of enquiry and learning which ultimately enables the learner to develop skills of critical thinking and problem solving. Lastly, education for nurses needs to be life long.