An analysis of the social world of Lithuanian nursing during the turbulent period of 1935–1945

Laima Karosas¹, Olga Riklikienė^2
1Quinnipiac University, School of Nursing, Connecticut, United States of America ²Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Nursing and Care Kaunas, Lithuania

Korespondenční autor: Olga Riklikienė (riklikiene@hotmail.com)

ISSN 1804-7181 (On-line)

Full verze:

Submitted:17. 3. 2014
Accepted: 9. 6. 2014
Published online: 15. 7. 2014

Summary

Background and objectives: Historical research has made it possible to document the changes in the social world of Lithuanian nursing between 1935 and 1945, a decade in which the country of Lithuania experienced major transformations surrounding World War II. The research questions were: What was the social world of Lithuanian nursing in relation to authenticity, socialization, arenas and segments? How did other social worlds influence the Lithuanian nursing? Material and methods: Historical inquiry was used to establish facts in order to describe and interpret selected, significant events. Results: Nurses apparently did not have enough power in the Lithuanian government nor sufficient control over their profession to bring about this change at that time. Nurses worked in government hospitals under bad conditions, the salaries were low, hours were not consistent, and other benefits, such as housing, were limited. The focus of Lithuanian nursing was significantly altered after World War II. By 1940, Lithuanian nurses had organized themselves and viewed themselves as professionals. Written and oral communication, travel and observation of foreign health care systems was a method used to generate ideas and plans for change within Lithuanian nursing. Conclusions: Between World War I and World War II, Lithuanian nursing grew and, with some political maneuvering, was able to run its own affairs. The development of Lithuanian nursing was halted with the beginning of World War II and further unraveled by the Soviet occupation. Nursing as a profession reverted to the avocation only.

Keywords: nursing; social world; Lithuania; historical research

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