Description/Overview: Understanding one’s history is a powerful way to build a sense of belonging, identity and connection. The value of history learning in nursing is that it facilitates professional awareness, cultural integration, and commitment. Thus nursing history learning is, or could be, a powerful component in the core curriculum for undergraduate nursing. History learning develops critical thinking skills transferable to and necessary in nursing practice; it raises awareness about the profession’s struggles, achievements and enduring concerns. Many stories from nursing’s past demonstrate that nurses as individuals, and as collectives, can influence health care delivery and social policy. Moreover, when these stories are well told they have an emotional power that makes them moving, memorable and inspiring. They reveal to learners the importance of perseverance and commitment. History learning assists nurses to see the big picture, to appreciate that nursing work can provide them with meaning, purpose, and a fulfilling career.

Learner Objective #1: Appreciate the connection between nursing history and contemporary professional practice.

Learner Objective #2: Support curriculum renewal projects that use history to engage, challenge and inspire students of nursing.