39264 - Evolution and Structure of Nursing Studies (BO2)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student knows the epistemological aspects of nursing discipline, the main models and theories of assistance, the disciplinary application tools and methods. The student knows the evolution of the professionalization process, the ethical, deontological and legislative aspects relevant to professional practice and the purpose and organization of the Italian National Health System.

Course contents

The National Health Service (Overview)

The NHS: Guiding Principles, Objectives, and Organizational Structures

Reorganization of Healthcare Legislation

Priority Health Issues and Healthcare Needs

History of Nursing Care

Evolution of the Concept of Nursing Care

Florence Nightingale: Ideas, Works, and Influence on the Professionalization Process

The Birth and Development of Nursing in Italy

The Evolution of Nursing Education

The Professionalization Process

The Evolution of Legislation Governing the Nursing Profession

Ethical and Deontological Aspects of the Nursing Profession

Professional Practice: Areas of Competence and Responsibility

The Order of Nursing Professions: Purpose and Organizational Structure

The Code of Ethics for Nursing Professionals (2025)

Epistemological Aspects

The Discipline and Metaparadigm of Nursing Science

Fundamental Concepts of Nursing

Models of Health and Illness

Analysis and Main Content of Selected Theoretical Models

• Virginia Henderson's Fundamental Needs Theory
• Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Concept and Theory
• Lynda Juall Carpenito's Bifocal Model

The Nursing Process

The Scientific Method, Problem Solving, and the Nursing Process

Phases of the Nursing Process

Assessment According to Gordon's Functional Health Patterns

Clinical and Nursing Documentation

• Nursing records
• Integrated patient records
• Clinical guidelines
• Protocols
• Procedures

Readings/Bibliography

Essential bibliography

• Diagnosi Infermieristiche. Definizione e classificazione 2024 - 2026 tredicesima edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Wilkinson J.M.; Processo infermieristico e pensiero critico. CEA 3 ° ed.; Milano 2013.
• Codice Deontologico dell’Infermiere 2025 - FNOPI

In-depth bibliography 

• Judit M. Wilkinson, Laurie Barcus - Diagnosi infermieristiche con NOC e NIC seconda edizione Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

• Marjory Gordon Diagnosi Infermieristiche Processo e applicazione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Motta, PC (2002) Introduzione alle Scienze Infermieristiche. Roma Carrocci Faber

Teaching methods

Frontal lesson, exercises, comparison and discussion, video.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning outcomes

The assessment of learning outcomes consists of a written examination and an oral examination.

The written examination consists of 31 multiple-choice questions. A minimum score of 24/30 is required in order to be admitted to the oral examination.

The oral examination includes the discussion of:

• one question randomly selected by the student from the topics covered during the lectures;
• one question randomly selected by the student concerning an article of the Code of Ethics for the Nursing Profession (2025)

The assessment of the oral examination will take into account the completeness and accuracy of the content presented, as well as the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

The final grade will be calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the other modules that make up the Integrated Course (Methodology A and B and Nursing Assessment).

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated University office as soon as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti

Requests for accommodations must be submitted in advance (at least 15 days before the examination date) to the course instructor, who will assess the appropriateness of the proposed measures in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Video projection system, flip chart.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Alvisi