Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN Degree) Practice Exam

Lillian Wald's primary contribution to nursing was the establishment of the Henry Street Settlement, which she co-founded in 1893. This settlement was one of the first community health initiatives in the United States and focused on providing comprehensive healthcare and social services to the underserved populations in New York City. Wald's vision extended beyond mere nursing practice; she aimed to combine healthcare with social reform to address the root causes of health disparities, recognizing that poverty, lack of education, and inadequate housing significantly impacted health outcomes.

The Henry Street Settlement became a model for public health nursing and demonstrated the importance of social determinants of health in providing care. It also involved the training of nurses in community settings, which laid the groundwork for the development of public health nursing as a specialty. Wald's work and the commitment to improving the health of communities marked a significant evolution in the nursing profession and contributed to establishing nursing as a key player in public health advocacy and social justice.