Title: Feature Story

How has the profession and, in our case, the School evolved since 1954?

The nursing profession has undergone a profound transformation, both in terms of its social recognition and its contribution to the healthcare system. We have moved from a technical and subordinate conception of the nursing role to an autonomous profession, based on scientific knowledge , clinical judgment and ethical commitment. Nursing is not merely a vocation. It is a highly qualified profession, which demands exceptional dedication, professionalism and profound specialized knowledge . This evolution at the professional level has gone hand in hand with the development of university training , disciplinary research and the consolidation of its own body of knowledge.

In the case of our School, I think we have been witnesses and protagonists of this evolution. From its beginnings, with training programs perhaps more focused on technical training , we have advanced towards an integral and unique educational model that promotes academic excellence, applied research and solid human, cultural and ethical training . The School has progressively integrated competencies in leadership, public health, innovation and critical thinking, positioning itself as an academic reference in the training of health professionals committed to the care of people and the health challenges of the 21st century subject

What is the present of the nursing profession like?

I think there is a growing visibility and progressive recognition of the impact of nursing care on the health of individuals, families and communities. Nursing is expanding its areas of skill in diverse areas such as community intervention, mental health, health management and palliative care. At the same time, nurses are taking on increasingly specialized, advanced roles that entail greater responsibility, expansion and depth of internship. This requires additional training and clinical expertise, legislation that supports autonomous internship and healthcare governance that incorporates the voice of nurses in decision making.

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From research: what trends do you see emerging most strongly in the nursing internship ?

I think that the most important emerging trends in nursing research are oriented towards the transformation of care systems through integrative, innovative, personalized and sustainable approaches. For example, digitalization and the use of technologies, or the incorporation of artificial intelligence, as we saw at the annual COENAV workshop "Artificial Intelligence and Nursing: an alliance for more humane care" held on May 8, are generating new lines of research on their ethical and effective applicability in nursing care. There is also a growing emphasis on outcomes assessment , which allows scientifically demonstrating the value and impact of care in improving the health of the population and the efficiency of the healthcare system. Another emerging axis, from my point of view, is participatory and community-based research , which promotes the improvement of services and the design of interventions with patients, family members... in final, with the users of the system. Addressing the social determinants of health, the impact of climate change and equity in access to care are also shaping new research priorities that transcend the clinical setting and are part of a global health perspective.

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From research: what trends do you see emerging most strongly in the nursing internship ?

I think that the most important emerging trends in nursing research are oriented towards the transformation of care systems through integrative, innovative, personalized and sustainable approaches. For example, digitalization and the use of technologies, or the incorporation of artificial intelligence, as we saw at the annual COENAV workshop "Artificial Intelligence and Nursing: an alliance for more humane care" held on May 8, are generating new lines of research on their ethical and effective applicability in nursing care. There is also a growing emphasis on outcomes assessment , which allows scientifically demonstrating the value and impact of care in improving the health of the population and the efficiency of the healthcare system. Another emerging axis, from my point of view, is participatory and community-based research , which promotes the improvement of services and the design of interventions with patients, family members... in final, with the users of the system. Addressing the social determinants of health, the impact of climate change and equity in access to care are also shaping new research priorities that transcend the clinical setting and are part of a global health perspective.

What are the main challenges for the profession in the coming years?

I believe that nursing, like other professions, will face many challenges. For example, this year the theme chosen by the International committee Nurses for International Nurses Day is "Our nurses, our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies," thus putting the spotlight on the importance of supporting the health and well-being of nurses. I think this year's theme reinforces the call for all organizations and governments to value, protect, respect and invest in nurses to ensure a sustainable future for the profession. One of the key challenges lies in the need to create safer, more positive and supportive work environments that foster high performing cultures, ensure better patient care, increased staff retention and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system that benefits us all.

On the other hand, we cannot lose sight of the challenge of adapting the nursing internship , and academic training , to the new healthcare scenarios marked by population aging, chronicity, mental health and emotional well-being, climatic emergencies and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

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As a professor, how can you train professionals not only with technical knowledge, but also with critical and ethical skills?

Training professionals with critical and ethical capacity implies overcoming a merely technical or reproductiveeducational model . It requires a transformative pedagogy, focused on reflective thinking, ethical deliberation and the integration of theoretical knowledge with lived experience. To this end, it is essential to create learning spaces where students can question, argue, make complex decisions and understand the social, cultural and political implications of the care they provide.

In our School we have implemented strategies such as problem-based learning, the case method, clinical simulation, analysis of ethical dilemmas, applied research and participation in community or service-learning projects. All of this is always framed in a professor accompaniment that favors the development of professional identity from social responsibility, compassion and commitment to the care of people.