[Participation of the Association of Nursing Schools of Ecuador in the development of the profession].

A brief summary is given of the development of nursing in Ecuador, particularly since the introduction of the national nursing policy in 1972. The training course is divided into two parts. The first qualifies the nurse to give comprehensive care to the patient in the areas of mental health, maternal and child health, surgical medicine, community health, and administration--after which she engages in rural practice for one year. The second part involves further studies in the areas mentioned and research by those who wish to go on to the licenciate degree. Also described are the functions of the Association in regard to teaching the nursing service, and the interests of the profession.