Nursing Times: A Century of Shaping the Nursing Profession
Since its inception in 1905, Nursing Times has evolved from a genteel professional journal into a powerful voice for healthcare workers. More than just a source of clinical updates, it has served as a forum for debate, a catalyst for legislative change, and a mirror reflecting the societal shifts in how nursing is perceived and practiced.
The publication began its journey with a quiet, modest tone, reflecting the social norms of the early 20th century. For its first 21 years, it was led by Swanhilde Bulan, a German-born journalist who maintained a strict preference for anonymity, never appearing by name on the pages she edited.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1905, initially edited by Swanhilde Bulan for 21 years.
- Official Status: Became the official journal of the College of Nursing (now the RCN) in 1926.
- Advocacy: Led major campaigns on pay, workplace violence, and nurse safety.
- Innovation: Introduced distance learning via Open Learning in 1991.
- Global Reach: Supported international cancer nursing and global health projects.
Early Years and the First World War (1905–1920)
In its first decade, Nursing Times focused on professional news and clinical issues. It provided a rare space for nurses to voice concerns; for instance, a 1908 article highlighted the immense stress placed on mental health nurses during patient dances, where they had to vigilantly monitor facial expressions to prevent outbreaks of violence.
By 1912, the journal embraced the practical nature of the profession by organizing competitions for inventions. These were showcased at the London Nursing and Midwifery Exhibition, offering gold medals and cash prizes (up to £10) for new devices created by nurses, midwives, masseuses, and health visitors.
The onset of World War I in 1914 brought a shift in content. While the journal solemnly reported England's war with Germany, it maintained a balance of professional and social life, reporting on events like the Nursing Times Lawn Tennis Challenge Cup. Advertisements from this era reflect the medical challenges of the time, including treatments for mustard gas burns and claims that Oxo could fortify the system against the 1918-19 influenza pandemic.
Professionalization and Social Change (1920–1939)
The 1920s saw the journal maintain an eclectic mix of clinical and general interest content. In 1926, it solidified its professional standing by becoming the official journal of the College of Nursing, a partnership that lasted over four decades.
This era also highlighted the tension between medical authority and nursing autonomy. In 1925, Dr. George Steele-Perkins published "Nursing don'ts," which focused heavily on comportment, advising nurses to avoid "chattering" and to remain "clean and pretty." Simultaneously, the journal reported on the medical community's slow acceptance that menstruation was not an illness, noting that exercise and baths could relieve dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation).
As the 1930s progressed, the journal began to challenge outdated medical beliefs. In 1932, it argued against claims that cinema or dance halls increased the risk of tuberculosis, suggesting instead that such recreation provided a necessary "mental fillip." By 1939, the publication modernized its visual identity, replacing text-heavy covers with photographs and a blue surround.
War, the NHS, and Post-War Expansion (1940–1959)
During the 1940s, the focus shifted toward war-related trauma. Articles in 1941 detailed the pathology of burns and the importance of a "sympathetic, tactful and firm nurse" in managing patients in primary shock.
The launch of the National Health Service (NHS) in July 1948 was a pivotal moment. Nursing Times recognized that while nurses would be the face of the service, some viewed the new system as a "restrictive and controlling machine."
The 1950s were marked by growth and royal recognition. Queen Mary expressed interest in the journal's special issues, and in 1951, Nursing Times became available at newsagents, with issues expanding to an average of 90 pages. The decade also saw a push for professional evolution; editor Marjorie Wenger argued in 1957 that nursing should encompass the care of the "whole person," extending beyond the bedside.
Advocacy and Legal Reform (1960–1979)
The 1960s saw Nursing Times move into the realm of social and legal advocacy. In 1960, Claire Rayner published a prophetic piece calling for the legalization of therapeutic abortion to save women from "backstreet abortionists," a goal realized in the 1967 Act.
The journal also tackled the nursing crisis of the 1960s, opposing the lowering of the training age to 17 to prevent the exploitation of young people. In 1968, it introduced "occasional papers"—in-depth articles that helped transition the profession toward evidence-based practice.
The 1970s were characterized by bold campaigns. The "Save District Nursing" campaign of 1977 successfully pressured the government to establish a statutory committee for district nurses. The journal also expanded its horizons, supporting the first International Cancer Nursing Conference in 1978 and organizing working holidays for nurses in Israel.
Modern Challenges and Campaigns (1980–2004)
In the 1980s, the journal reported on the emergence of the nurse practitioner and provided early warnings about the arrival of AIDS in the UK in 1983. It also launched the Nursing Aid campaign in 1986, raising £140,000 for projects in the developing world.
The 1990s and early 2000s were defined by high-profile campaigns to protect and empower nurses:
- Mind Your Back (1992): Addressed the scandal of thousands of nurses leaving the profession due to back injuries.
- Pay Advocacy (1995): Campaigned for a 3% pay increase, gaining 90% public support.
- Stamp Out Violence (1998): Led to government targets and regular surveys to monitor attacks on NHS staff.
- Save Nurses from Stalkers (2001): Successfully petitioned against legislation that would have allowed the public to access nurses' home addresses.
- Fairness on Fees (2004): Successfully pressured the NMC to reduce a proposed registration fee increase, saving the workforce an estimated £10m.
| Year/Era | Key Event/Campaign | Impact/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Launch of Nursing Times | Established a professional forum for nurses. |
| 1926 | Official Journal of College of Nursing | Formalized link with the RCN for 40+ years. |
| 1948 | NHS Launch | Documented the transition to a nationalized health system. |
| 1960s | Therapeutic Abortion Advocacy | Contributed to the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. |
| 1977 | Save District Nursing | Secured a statutory committee for district nurses. |
| 1998 | Stamp Out Violence | Government targets set to reduce attacks on NHS staff. |
| 2004 | Fairness on Fees | Reduced NMC registration fee increase. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first editor of Nursing Times?
The first editor was Swanhilde Bulan, a German-born journalist who led the publication for 21 years. She preferred to remain anonymous and was never identified on the journal's pages during her tenure.
How did Nursing Times support the RCN?
Nursing Times became the official journal of the College of Nursing (now the Royal College of Nursing) in 1926 and provided full backing for major initiatives, such as the "Raise the Roof" pay campaign in 1969.
What was the "Save Nurses from Stalkers" campaign?
Launched in 2001, this campaign responded to proposed legislation that would have allowed the public to demand nurses' home addresses. A petition signed by 7,000 readers helped ensure that home addresses would not be published without permission.
How did the journal contribute to evidence-based practice?
In 1968, Nursing Times launched "occasional papers," which were longer, more detailed articles that allowed for a deeper exploration of subjects than standard editorial pages, helping move the profession toward evidence-based practice.
What role did the journal play in nurse safety?
The journal led several safety initiatives, including the 1992 "Mind Your Back" campaign to prevent lifting injuries and the 1998 "Stamp Out Violence" campaign, which resulted in official government monitoring and reduction targets for attacks on NHS staff.