Orgen (2001) points out, in a classic article on the relationships between the past and present, that an understanding of nursing issues requires an understanding of nursing history.  Some of the issues highlighted on this page have been discussed and discussed over a period of years.  For example, the RN to BSN issue is still argued on nursing listserves and in the hospital breakroom.  

Other issues result from technological advances but have parallels in the past, such as the the maintenance of the privacy of people listed in medical databases.  Nurses have always cautioned themselves to keep patient information private, yet modern advances have made privacy an even more urgent concern.

As this page develops, please feel free to suggest other issues and websites here.

Orgen, K.E. (2001).  The risk of not understanding nursing history.  In Hein, E.C. (Ed.).  Nursing Issues in the 21st Century. New York: Lippincott.

Nursing Issues Resources

• California Health Care Foundation's papers on the nursing shortage

• Online Journal of Nursing Issues - From Kent State University, Ohio; a refereed journal

• Support the Center for Nursing Advocacy!!

• Global Shortage of Registered Nurses Report - An overview of issues and actions. From the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIF), and the Burdett Trust for Nursing

Nursing Issues Texts:

Current Issues in Nursing (6th. Ed.) (2001), edited by J.M. Dochterman and H.K. Grace   032301270 or 6

Nursing Issues in the 21st. Century (2001),  edited by E.C. Hein

0781736171