What key cultural and societal factors influenced the development of nursing in Spain?

Nursing in Spain evolved due to cultural influences from European neighbors, particularly France, the UK, and Germany, which facilitated the exchange of medical knowledge. Furthermore, increasing social demands for improved public health spurred political action and governmental reforms after 1833, leading to the professionalization of healthcare and, subsequently, nursing.

Why has the historical study of nursing in Spain lagged behind that of general medicine, and what recent developments have changed this?

While Spain has a rich tradition of medical writings, the history of nursing has been overshadowed by the broader history of medicine. The Spanish Nursing History Congresses, launched in Valencia in 1994, initially mirrored the structure of medical history conferences. In recent years, coinciding with Spain's political and social transition and integration into Europe, there's been a shift in perspective and increased attention to the complexities and nuances of Spanish history, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of nursing's evolution.

What role did universities play in the professionalization of nursing in Spain, and what challenges did they face?

The establishment of medical faculties within universities played a vital role. These institutions provided a platform for formal training and research, gradually leading to the inclusion of nursing studies in the curricula. However, the integration of nursing history into university programs was a gradual process, often overshadowed by the history of medicine.

How did nursing practices in Spain evolve from their early beginnings to their current status within the healthcare system?

Early nursing practices in Spain stemmed from religious orders and charitable acts. Over time, the profession evolved towards formal training, university recognition, and specialized practices due to cultural exchange with European countries, societal demands for better public health, and the development of university medical faculties. This evolution culminated in nursing becoming a vital and respected profession within the Spanish healthcare system.

Evolution of nursing in Spain.

Unveiling the History of Nursing in Spain: From Ancient Roots to Modern Practice

Q: How does Spain's scientific history, including its number of Nobel Prizes, relate to the development of nursing as a recognized field?

The relatively fewer Nobel Prizes awarded to Spanish scientists, specifically Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Severo Ochoa, reflect broader societal challenges, including setbacks in liberal revolution, industrialization, and modernization. These factors contributed to the perception of Spain as scientifically backward, which influenced the development and recognition of scientific fields, including nursing.

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Explore the evolution of nursing in Spain, its influences, and the dedicated individuals who shaped its development."

The history of healthcare in Spain has undergone significant evolution, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. This progress stems from two primary forces: the cultural influences of its European neighbors, fostering advancements in scientific knowledge and practice, and the increasing social demands for improved public health, which spurred political action and governmental reforms after 1833.

These factors converged to drive the professionalization of healthcare, with universities playing a crucial role in training medical professionals and conducting research. However, the study of historical development in health and science wasn't always a priority. Consequently, incorporating the history of medicine, and even more so, the history of nursing into university curricula was a gradual process.

This article explores the historical context in which nursing in Spain emerged and developed, highlighting the key influences and transformations that shaped its trajectory. It examines the evolution of nursing from its early roots to its current standing as a vital and respected profession within the Spanish healthcare system.

How Did Cultural and Societal Shifts Shape Early Nursing Practices?

Despite the slow integration of formal historical study, Spain has a rich tradition of medical and health-related writings. However, focus on the history of nursing specifically has been more recent, often overshadowed by the broader history of medicine. Developed in recent years, the story of nursing risks becoming a footnote to medical history. This is seen in the Spanish Nursing History Congresses, launched in Valencia in 1994, which mirrored the traditional structure of medical history conferences.

There's been a prevailing view of Spain as scientifically backward, often attributed to factors like the Inquisition and the 17th-century crisis. While such arguments contribute to a pessimistic view of Spanish history, the perceived scientific lag is more accurately linked to broader societal challenges, including setbacks in liberal revolution, industrialization, and modernization. This culminated in only two Spanish scientists, Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Severo Ochoa, receiving Nobel Prizes.

European Influence: Spain's proximity to and interaction with other European countries, particularly France, the UK, and Germany, facilitated the exchange of medical knowledge and practices.
Social Demands: Growing awareness of public health issues and the need for accessible healthcare services pushed for government intervention and the development of healthcare infrastructure.
University Development: The establishment of medical faculties within universities provided a platform for formal training and research, gradually leading to the inclusion of nursing studies.

However, in recent decades, coinciding with Spain's political and social transition and integration into Europe, there's been a shift in perspective. Prompted by French and Anglo-Saxon hispanists, there's been increased attention to the complexities and nuances of Spanish history, moving away from solely critical narratives. This renewed focus has paved the way for a more comprehensive understanding of nursing's evolution within Spain's unique historical context.

The Enduring Legacy of Nursing in Spain

This exploration reveals a compelling narrative of nursing's development in Spain, highlighting the interplay of cultural influences, societal demands, and dedicated individuals who shaped its trajectory. While early influences stemmed from religious orders and charitable acts, the profession gradually evolved towards formal training, university recognition, and specialized practices.

The journey of nursing in Spain reflects broader historical trends, including periods of scientific advancement, societal challenges, and renewed focus on social welfare. By understanding this history, we gain valuable insights into the current state of nursing and its vital role in the Spanish healthcare system.

As nursing continues to evolve in the 21st century, embracing new technologies and addressing emerging healthcare needs, its historical roots provide a foundation for continued growth and innovation. The dedication and commitment of Spanish nurses, past and present, remain central to providing quality care and promoting the well-being of the nation.