XVI National Congress, XI International Nursing History

POWER AND INFLUENCE OF NURSES IN HISTORY
October 29 to 31, 2018

The history of nursing is woven with devotion, diligence, and compassion, becoming “a way of being”. In the main therapeutic traditions, care has always been understood as the basis of the assistance that responds to the need of the human being as a whole, and not only the diseased part. But this act of responsibility by another, more than an action, is an attitude that entails effort, intelligence, and determination.

The title of the Congress, “Power and Influence of Nurses in History “, takes us to the fundamental pillars that have led a profession, Nursing, to exercise not only its practical side, but to harmonize leadership, authority, and responsibility, as it has in its hands the most precious aspect of a human being, life, which it has to take care of. For this purpose, Nursing has integrated science and charity in performing its role.

Its sources, manuals, regulations… give us documented reasons of all of this, but it is necessary to understand how – in the twists and turns of history to which each discipline brings its knowhow – it has been altered by the power interests of other professions, which now needs analysing. The Congress addresses all this, therefore your research is essential. The journey made by the Permanent Seminar through the different conferences seeks to clarify the History of this Profession in its search for meaning: what it has been, and what it is called to be in the future.

Francisca J. Hernández Martín
President of the Scientific Committee

There is every reason why Mallorca, an ancient Mediterranean enclave, should host one of the most long-standing conferences on the History of Nurses in Europe. We are pleased with the choice of our island – historical and culturally enriched over many centuries – and encourage national and international researchers, the real protagonists of the event, to present the results of their research. We hope, with the help of the invited experts, that we can move forward in the understanding of, if not where we are going, at least how and why history has brought us here.

The Organizing Committee is preparing to share with you a few days of reflection and debate concerning the issues currently affecting the History of Nursing. Meanwhile, Palma awaits your visit, offering its hospitality, culture, beauty, a special breeze and aroma and, above all, much calm. An experience we trust will be memorable, along with the scientific interest of the Congress.

Rosa Maria Hernández Serra
Gloria Gallego Caminero
Presidents of the Organizing Committee