Professionalization of Nursing. Vision from Manuel Usandizaga

Resumen

This article examines the evolution of nursing in 20th-century
Spain, focusing on the processes of professionalization and
the development of secular nursing education. Central
to this transformation was the Valdecilla School and the
work of Dr. Manuel Usandizaga, whose Manual de la
Enfermera became a foundational textbook. The study
employs a historiographical and hermeneutical approach,
grounded in Gadamer’s philosophy, to analyze the historical,
educational, and conceptual significance of Usandizaga’s
contributions. A comparative analysis of the first (1934) and
ninth (1970) editions of the manual reveals how the text
not only aligned with but also advanced official curricula.
Usandizaga emphasized core nursing values, technical
competencies, and the integration of theory and practice,
introducing innovative pedagogical methods that supported
the emergence of a distinct professional identity. The article
further compares Usandizaga’s approach with contemporary
academic nursing curricula, demonstrating the continued
relevance of the foundational principles he promoted.
Influenced by the Nightingale model, his humanistic and
interdisciplinary vision contributed significantly to the shift
from nursing as a vocation to a recognized profession. His
legacy remains evident in current educational frameworks,
reflecting a lasting impact on the philosophy and practice
of nursing in Spain.