Verpleegnavorsing in Suid-Afrika in historiese perspektief

Abstract

Inclusion of a research function in the SA Nursing Association Constitution and the recently established research unit are logical developments in the work of the Association over the last seven decades to promote professional development of nursing in South Africa. With the legislation for the SANC and SANA in 1944, the establishment of degree courses in nursing and the most recent development of autonomous nursing colleges co-operating with universities, the most important groundwork has been completed. The environment is now conducive for the professional nurse to undertake scientific enquiry. The author presents an overview of South African nursing research from 1951-1983. The first research was done by Charlotte Searle in 1951. Thereafter the first postgraduate research studies were completed in 1969. Since then postgraduate research has steadily gained momentum with at least a further 132 scientific investigations into nursing being completed at South African universities. For the future the author visualises that the SA Nursing Association will continue to have a major function in furthering nursing research. She calls on members to ensure that they meet their obligations towards their professional body — to stop asking and to start giving.