Professionals from six nursing specialties met in Lleida on the occasion of World Nursing Day, celebrated on May 12, to demand greater visibility for a profession that, they maintain, remains little recognized despite its presence at all stages of life and in very different areas of the healthcare system.
The paradox they conveyed at the meeting is that nursing is present in neonatology, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, geriatrics, occupational health, and community care, but a good part of that work continues to be associated by the public with a much more limited image of the profession.
Nurses in Lleida demanded more recognition for six specialties
Silvia Bravo, a specialist in Pediatrics from the neonatal unit of the Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, summarized this lack of social knowledge about her work. The nurse emphasized that the profession's role remains poorly explained and defended the need for professionals themselves to gain public space.
"On a social level, there is a lot of missing information about the role of nurses, and we must assert ourselves" - Silvia Bravo, Pediatrics specialist from the neonatal unit of Arnau de Vilanova
In her case, pediatric nursing encompasses the care of physical, emotional, and family development from birth to adolescence. It is not limited to the clinical care of the minor but also includes support for the family environment.
From the field of mental health, Amor Lozano linked the change in social perception to what happened after the pandemic. She explained that these pathologies already existed before, but that now they are being addressed with more resources and greater social awareness.
Yasmina Martínez, a nurse in Sexual and Reproductive Health, also asked for an expanded perception of her specialty. She recalled that it is not limited to childbirth and includes support for menopause, breastfeeding counseling, and affective sexual health workshops in schools.
Arnau de Vilanova, Santa Maria, and primary care requested specific positions
The demand did not stop at social dissemination. The nursing managers present in Lleida demanded that this recognition be reflected in the organization of centers and in working conditions.
Pilar Ibars, Director of Nursing at Arnau de Vilanova, defended valuing the training of generalist nurses, which in her opinion allows them to take on different job positions with the experience accumulated over the years.
At the same time, Ibars insisted that specialties must be claimed. The same idea appeared in the speech of Cristina Farràs, head of nursing in Primary Care, who advocated for valuing the knowledge of the generalist nurse without ceasing to reinforce specialization.
Nuria Fors, Director of Nursing at Santa Maria Hospital, went further and demanded specific specialist positions with professional and economic recognition. Her request connected with a demand shared by several participants during the conference.
In geriatrics, Almudena Montenegro focused on the aging population and the difficulty in filling positions. She explained that there are few vacancies and that it is difficult to attract professionals, although she added that working with the elderly is very rewarding for those who enter that field.
Meritxell Soler, a specialist in Occupational Health Nursing, recalled that her work is not limited to preventing diseases or incidents. It also includes health promotion, vaccination campaigns, and monitoring occupational risks in workplaces.
Jacob Mesalles, a specialist in Family and Community Care, defined his field as one of the broadest due to its proximity to patients and its presence in all phases of life. Mesalles added that specialization is a key piece within the profession.
The conference brought together professionals from Pediatrics, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Geriatrics, Occupational Health Nursing, and Family and Community Care in Lleida, coinciding with World Nursing Day on May 12.