Advanced Nursing: remembering the past, appreciating the present and perspecting the future

Abstract

Introduction This article arises from the analysis of care practice as a Nurse, in a sense of continuous improvement. Thus, by understanding the professional history, the paradigms of the profession and the positioning of Nursing in terms of society in today's world, it is possible to envision possible paths for the profession. Objective This article aims to reflect on the historical evolution of Nursing in Portugal and to envision the future of Portuguese Nursing in the light of international influences. Development The historical perspective and the implications in Nursing care practice, Person/Client-Centred Care and the individualisation of the intervention and, finally, Advanced Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing were addressed. Analysing the historical perspective of Nursing over the centuries, from its abnegated period, through the romantic era, medicine and the technicist phase, we understand some current practices and doubts regarding the perspective of the future. The development of knowledge and practice in Nursing should go through the recognition and advancement of the core competencies of the discipline. Conclusion An approximation between scientific production and care practice is essential for the development of Nursing. Facilitating this process is the development of the Nursing specialties as a master's degree course, promoting not only different practices, but also the critical look and thinking of professionals. In this process, the existence of other sciences – health, social and human sciences, among others – that will promote the development of the Nursing body should not be relegated to second place, but it is also crucial to disseminate scientific production in Nursing, in order to give visibility to the science and practice of the discipline.