Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo

Envision stepping back in time to 1942. The world is embroiled in war. Yet, amidst this global turmoil, a beacon of hope emerges in São Paulo: the Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, or EEUSP. Established by Decree-Law No. 13.040 on October 31st, this institution became an integral part of the prestigious Universidade de São Paulo. Its mission was clear: to prepare nurses, educators, researchers, and specialists in all branches of nursing. The Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo was not born in isolation. Its creation was a collaborative effort, fueled by a partnership between the Brazilian and United States governments through the Serviço Especial de Saúde Pública, or SESP. This partnership aimed to implement the guidelines of the Institute of Inter-American Affairs in Brazil, emphasizing the training of public health professionals. A key figure in EEUSP’s story is Edith de Magalhães Fraenkel. Appointed as the school’s first director, Fraenkel brought a wealth of experience and vision. She had trained at the Philadelphia General Hospital and had served as the first president of the Brazilian Nurses Association. Edith de Magalhães Fraenkel meticulously laid the foundation for the Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, shaping its curriculum and establishing its high standards. The school’s early years were marked by a unique characteristic: it operated as a boarding school. Students and faculty lived together, fostering a close-knit community dedicated to learning and practice. This immersive experience ended in 1973. The Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo initially shared space with the Hospital das Clínicas, which also opened in the 1940s. The school’s own building, inaugurated in 1947, became a testament to its growing importance. The partnership with the Hospital das Clínicas provided invaluable opportunities for practical training, shaping generations of skilled nurses. The influence of the Rockefeller Foundation was also instrumental in EEUSP’s development, providing resources and expertise. American nurse Ella Hasenjaeger played a pivotal role in establishing psychiatric nursing training. Over the decades, the Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo expanded its reach. It became a hub for postgraduate studies, offering master’s and doctoral programs that have trained over 2,200 specialists. The school has contributed significantly to nursing research, hosting international conferences and fostering a culture of evidence-based practice. Today, the EEUSP continues its legacy of excellence, facing new challenges with the same spirit of innovation. Its four departments, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive library ensure that it remains a leading force in nursing education and research in Brazil.