When did the licensure of nurses begin?

The licensure of nurses began during the Period of Contemporary Nursing, which marked a significant shift in the healthcare landscape. This period is characterized by the establishment of formal nursing education programs and regulatory frameworks that set the standards for nursing practice. The introduction of licensure was essential to ensure that nurses met specific educational and competency requirements, thereby protecting public safety and enhancing the professionalism of nursing as a career.

In the Period of Contemporary Nursing, landmark changes occurred, including the establishment of nursing boards and the implementation of licensure exams. These developments provided a structured approach to evaluating nurses' qualifications and ensuring a baseline of knowledge and skills necessary for effective patient care. As a result, the licensure of nurses became a critical component in promoting high standards within the profession and ensuring accountability.

The earlier periods, such as the Period of Intuitive Nursing, Period of Apprentice Nursing, and Period of Educated Nursing, laid important groundwork for nursing practice, but they did not formalize the licensure process that defines nursing today. The emphasis during earlier periods was more on gaining experience or basic education rather than on regulated standards and formal credentials.