Exploration and Expansion of Knowledge

The 16th century was an era of Enlightenment characterized by extensive exploration and expansion of knowledge that provided a new source of wealth. Although, other disciplines expanded significantly, the nursing profession and practice suffered a major drawback. During the era, nursing lost most of its economic support and social status because the society failed to value the discipline as an intellectual endeavor. Therefore, the nursing discipline lagged behind as other intellectual field experienced remarkable expansion of knowledge. Secondly, the fight stuck between the church and the state was at its peak during this era. After the struggle, the state emerged with more authority over the church, which managed most hospitals while providing nursing care to the sick and the poor. The restrictions imposed by the state, for instance nursing practicing licenses and closure of some churches, significantly affected nursing operations. At that time, women dominated the nursing career. The Protestant Reformations during the period resulted into the closure of hospitals, as the home ware perceived to be the place of a woman. Nursing practices was limited at the household level, where the women took care of the sick, the elderly, and children. For instance, in 1545, the Council of Trent had issued a decree directing every community of women, such as the nursing sisters of France, to live in enclosed environments, mainly within the household level (Johnson, 2008, p. 41). Exploration and Expansion of Knowledge