[Nursing education in Latin America]

The article identifies health trends that must be taken into account in nursing and nursing education in Latin America if the goal of health for all by the year 2000 is to be achieved: population growth, the aging of the population, the rise of chronic diseases in groups at risk, the emergence of new pathological entities, the higher awareness of users of health services, and changes in the composition of the family and in the urban-rural composition of the population. The influence of these tendencies on nursing practice and training is examined. In the examination of practice, critical areas stand out: the numbers, distribution and use of nursing personnel; the quality of practice; the definition of functions for personnel categories; participation in decision-making; and preparation to assume new functions. On the education side, the article examines the situation, envisages the needed activities, and outlines a model study plan guided by the following principles: a comprehensive view of man in society; an epidemiologic and "dialectic" conception of the health/disease process; adherence to the scientific method; attention to priority health problems; a scientific understanding of the object of study; integration of theory and practice; and a multisector and multiprofession approach to nursing.