The social mandate and historical basis for nursing's role in health promotion

Nightingale's strong foundation, the impressive accomplishments of the public health nursing leaders, extensive community nursing services, and a growing societal and governmental interest in disease prevention have all contributed to nursing's role in health promotion. The Surgeon General asserts that half of the mortality in the United States is due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Our nation needs a cadre of professionals whose role is to appraise and enhance the health status, health assets, and health potentials of all humans. Nurses are the health professionals to take that role. This article documents the social mandate and historical basis for nursing's role in health promotion from the mid-19th century to the present.