Escuela de Enfermería

Was it a calling or a calculated decision? The driving force behind Nydia H. Gordillo Gómez’s push to establish the Escuela de Enfermería, here at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, remains a fascinating question. Established on April 23, 1956, the Escuela de Enfermería arose from a series of ordinances and resolutions. These bureaucratic maneuvers, combined with Gordillo Gómez’s vision, brought the school to life. The World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization played crucial roles, providing technical cooperation and resources. Imagine the flurry of activity in those early days. Agnes Chagas, a regional nursing consultant, guided the fledgling institution, shaping its curriculum and administration. The university itself, under Rector Dr. Agustín Caeiro and Dean of Medical Sciences, Prof. Dr. Calixto Núñez, provided the initial physical and material support. The Escuela de Enfermería began as a course under the School of Training for Auxiliary Medical Professionals. However, by 1957, thanks to an agreement between the Argentinian government and international health organizations, the school gained its independence. This partnership infused the Escuela de Enfermería with equipment, teaching materials, and expert guidance. The very building we stand before was handed over to the school on July 2, 1958. Rector Prof. Dr. Pedro León and Dean Prof. Dr. Juan Martín Allende presented the keys to Directora Gordillo Gómez. The building served not only as classrooms and administrative offices but also housed student residences. Initially, the program led to a Technical Nursing degree after three years. However, ambition and the growing need for advanced training led to the establishment of a five-year Licentiate in Nursing program in 1968. The Escuela de Enfermería continued to evolve. In 1972, it opened its doors wider, offering a supplementary course for graduates of other recognized nursing schools to attain the Licentiate degree. The school also embraced distance learning, extending its reach from Jujuy to Ushuaia in 1992. This allowed aspiring nurses across a vast geographical area to access advanced training. The Escuela de Enfermería didn’t stop at undergraduate education. In 1994, it launched a Master’s program in Maternal and Child Health, furthering its commitment to specialized training. The school continued adding specialties, including Community Nursing, Critical Patient Care Nursing, and Administration and Management of Nursing, each approved by CONEAU. In 2006, a Simulated Practice Learning Laboratory (LAPS) was inaugurated, allowing students to hone their skills in a safe environment. This lab provides a space for critical thinking, efficient execution, and improved patient safety. Today, the Escuela de Enfermería stands as a testament to Nydia H. Gordillo Gómez’s initial vision. It is a vital part of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and a significant contributor to healthcare in Argentina.