Historia de la enfermería Evolución histórica del cuidado enfermero

This book is lauded for addressing a significant gap in nursing education within the Spanish-speaking world, providing one of the most widely available historical accounts of the profession. It offers a structured overview of nursing's evolution from ancient civilizations to the modern era, complete with an interesting glossary of terms. A particular strength highlighted is its acknowledgment of Spanish nursing's unique interactions with the Islamic world, a crucial and often overlooked aspect of health history. The reviewer celebrates the book for revitalizing interest in nursing history and presenting numerous engaging ideas to its readership.

However, the book faces criticism for several methodological weaknesses. Early chapters are described as speculative and lacking depth, while the overall narrative is noted for its over-reliance on religious orders and a tendency to cover vast historical periods too quickly, which may not satisfy seasoned historians. The book is also criticized for presenting an ethnocentric historical perspective that minimizes contributions from non-English nurses and for failing to adequately link nursing developments to broader global conflicts. Furthermore, it is observed that the book adheres to a linear, "Whiggish" view of history without acknowledging its limitations, and a contemporary chapter surprisingly omits clear connections between past events and present professional challenges.

In conclusion, while this book is a valuable effort to make nursing history accessible and stimulate interest in the Spanish-speaking world, offering a range of interesting concepts, it is tempered by notable methodological flaws and an overly ambitious scope. Its broad approach, speculative early sections, and lack of deep analytical connections mean it may not meet the expectations of academic historians seeking rigorous, in-depth research. Therefore, the book is primarily recommended for its intended audience: nursing students and practicing nurses looking for a foundational and accessible, though broad, introduction to the history of their profession.