ABSTRACT
The first major system of nurse training, which began at St Thomas's Hospital in 1860 and spread worldwide, developed from what were perceived as Nightingale's principles. The system embraced technical, practical and scientific knowledge, and relied on the thorough mastery of techniques. Equally essential was intelligence. No task could be considered menial, or less important than any other, because all were necessary to provide the unity of patient care. By the end of the nineteenth century there were divisions around the further development of the profession in Britain, although there was no such division on the principles which should underpin it. Knowledge and skill were tested, prior to a nurse becoming registered, by oral and written examination as well as by continuous assessment. The apprenticeship training was significant for both the patient and the nurse. The public esteemed nurses because nursing was not just a job.
