Reflexion: the nurses graduation and the expansion of nursing teaching in the state of Ceará

Resumo

This is a brief story of the foundation of the nursing schools in Ceará, followed by a few remarks on the current situation of the institutions now in existence. The results of the National Course Assessment of the year 2003- a test taken by students graduating from Brazilian Universities, including nursing schools in Ceará, were analyzed for students’ performance as well as for teaching body characteristics.The text also deals with the recent boom and troublesome development of new private nursing schools which can be found nowadays in faculties as well as other institutions with no tradition in knowledge production, founded with the sole intent of financial gain. The possible causes of this development and the effects it is likely to produce upon the number and skill level of nurses is in complete discordance with the actual health care needs of the population. The labor market absorption potential and representatives of the class are urged to give more attention to the issue.