Nursing has evolved through several periods: - Primitive/intuitive nursing from ancient times to the 6th century where women and slaves provided care out of necessity based on superstition. - Apprentice nursing from the 6th to 18th century where religious orders established the foundations of modern nursing focused on devotion and beneficence. - Educational nursing from the 18th to 20th century which saw the establishment of formal nursing education and training led by Florence Nightingale and adoption of her philosophy globally.