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The modernization of nursing has to be understood in the context of a general modernization process that developed in the society. As the modernization of the Norwegian society progressed between the wars, Norwegian nurses found themselves torn between different kinds of values. Within the medical area the scientific and technological progresses were significant. To strengthen status and position nursing had to relate to the same progresses. Nurses in general feared that modern demands would make it difficult to take care of the traditional values in nursing. With great visions, and expectations to nursing as a profession, the Norwegian nursing leader, Bergljot Larsson, saw both traditional and modern values as a challenge to the modernization of nursing. As traditional and feminine values were a threat to the professionalization of nursing, the modern values were a threat to the traditional ideals of nursing. To solve the dilemmas and challenges this caused, Bergljot Larsson emphasized both traditional and modern ideals as a benefit and strength for nursing. Doing this she acted and argued in ways that seemed incompatible. By seeing women both similar and different to men, she tried to exceed the limitations society had set for women, and make nursing a professional and significant part of the modernization process.

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