[Semantic development of the word "nursing" after 1883]

The process of semantic enrichment of the word "nursing" with new features of denotation lasted half a century until it finally, at the turn of the century, acquired the denotation of actions rendered to the sick person associated so far with health prevention in to-day sense of the word. The author shows the influence of cultural-social and medical inspirations on forming of the lexical force of the word. She pays attention to the significance of the effect of the romantic cult of woman and maternity on perception of the important role of the female element and its attributes in nursing. Furthermore, the author points to the national connotations and a special role of polish women in their attending the brother soldier wounded in the fight for independence. She brings out the therapeutic role of nursing in fighting pain and of the spiritual realm of a sick person. The author presents the stages of broadening of the definition substantial range including the moment when it was broadened with the psychotherapy elements. Furthermore, the author describes the evolution of the therapeutic - nursing procedures, the stimuli-oriented procedures and the so-called energy-saving effect. Participation of nurses in the observation of a sick person became a very important factor. The author points here to certain lateness in this respect as compared to the existing regulations in Europe. Forming and enrichment of the polish onomatology was accompanied by associating of the ability to nurse with the knowledge that was becoming more and more indispensable at the turn of the century in supporting of the physicians' efforts and in guarantying of the continuity and consistency of medical therapy.