History of Korean Nursing Education (1900-2000)

한국간호교육 100년 발달사적 연구(1900-2000)

Only one hundred years of history in nursing education in Korea is not enough to develop the subject fully as a science. However, the development of Korean nursing education is a great historical event, because Korean nursing education has been accepted by a male-oriented Korean society and has led to a new paradigm in the new millenium. These results are largely due to the Korean people's high enthusiasm for education, as well as Korean women's diligence. I think these 100 years of history can be divided into five periods: (1) the Sunlight period (1900-1911) (2) the New born period (1912-1945) (3) the Settle-down period (1946-1960) (4) the Marked Growth period (1961-1980) (5) the Jumping Period (1981-2000) These classifications are characterized by changes in the educational system, a changed nursing curriculum, educational goals, educational outcomes, and implications. The characteristics of historical development of Korean nursing education was evaluated in three dimensions: structures, contents, and outcome. The structure of Korean nursing education consists of a 3-year program and a 4-year program. Most nursing leaders in Korea hope that these two programs will converge into one system. Secondly, the contents of nursing education in Korea underwent very active changes, according to historical development. These changes in the nursing curriculum have been developed to provide a professional education and develop nursing education as a modern science. Lastly, as to the results of nursing education in Korea, the education was needed to turn out advanced specialists in nursing. In the new millenium, knowledge and information will be the driving forces behind social development. A nation's level of development and creativity in nursing education is the most potent determinant of the future of Korean nursing. The best way to prepare for future challenges will be to create the backbone of a nursing education system. Hence, well-educated nurses in graduate programs should be turned into advanced specialists in nursing. These groups will upgrade the image of Korean nurses, and will have strong influence to improve patient care and the health situation in Korea.