ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To know the evolution of the academic formation of the Spanish infirmary (1850-1950), describing the changes that transformed it into sanitary profession. METHOD Historical research in the exploratory-descriptive modality, with analysis and interpretation of information obtained from electronic databases, national, provincial and municipal archives, official gazettes and libraries. RESULTS In 1850 different health categories coexisted, however, the title of nurse did not emerge until 1915. With the boom that Community Health reached during that time, in 1924, the National School of Health was founded, creating in 1932 the specialties of Psychiatric Nurse, Pediatric Nurse and Visiting Nurse of Mental Hygiene. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Between 1915 and 1950 all nursing professionals had university training, therefore, through scientific knowledge these health professionals acquired their own identity within the health professions and they were able to provide specialized assistance for the care of people.
RESUMEN OBJETIVO Conocer la evolución de la formación académica de la enfermería española (1850-1950), describiendo los cambios que la transformaron en profesión sanitaria. MÉTODO Investigación histórica en la modalidad exploratoria-descriptiva, con análisis e interpretación de información obtenida en bases de datos electrónicas, archivos nacionales, provinciales y municipales, Boletines Oficiales y Bibliotecas. RESULTADOS En 1850 coexistían diferentes categorías sanitarias, sin embargo, el título de enfermera no surgió hasta 1915. Con el auge que alcanzó la Salud Comunitaria durante esa época, en 1924, se funda la Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, creándose en 1932 las especialidades de Enfermero Psiquiátrico, Enfermeras Pediátricas y Enfermeras Visitadoras. CONCLUSIONES E IMPLICACIÓN PARA LA PRÁCTICA Entre 1915 y 1950 los profesionales de enfermería poseían formación universitaria, por tanto, a través del conocimiento científico estos sanitarios adquirieron una identidad propia dentro de las profesiones de la salud. Se logró proporcionar una asistencia especializada para el cuidado de personas.
ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To know the evolution of the academic formation of the Spanish infirmary (1850-1950), describing the changes that transformed it into sanitary profession. METHOD Historical research in the exploratory-descriptive modality, with analysis and interpretation of information obtained from electronic databases, national, provincial and municipal archives, official gazettes and libraries. RESULTS In 1850 different health categories coexisted, however, the title of nurse did not emerge until 1915. With the boom that Community Health reached during that time, in 1924, the National School of Health was founded, creating in 1932 the specialties of Psychiatric Nurse, Pediatric Nurse and Visiting Nurse of Mental Hygiene. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Between 1915 and 1950 all nursing professionals had university training, therefore, through scientific knowledge these health professionals acquired their own identity within the health professions and they were able to provide specialized assistance for the care of people.
