In this paper, the authors describe changes in teaching and nursing practices in Ecuador, from its first step, with the introduction of foreign personnel through international agencies up to their substitution for ecuatorian professionals. At the same time, the authors study the integration of Nursing School in the structure of the University and analyse, also, hits and mistakes from the State, universities and international health organizations in the elaboration of unified sanitary policies which meet the needs of the population. Finally, the role of nursing altogether is discussed.
