UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO SCHOOL OF NURSING: a world-class school.

Abstract

The University of Sao Paulo (USP) is the most important university in Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean. One of Brazil’s scientific, cultural and social heritages, the University celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014(1). Therefore, it is expected that its faculties and departments be both a national and international reference in the realms of education, research, and university continuing education. The University of Sao Paulo School of Nursing (EEUSP), as per its acronym in Portuguese) certainly is. In her recent visit to the school, Dr. Judith Shamian, chairman of the International Nursing Council and member of the Institutional Assessment Committee, classified EEUSP as a world-class school. Nonetheless, it is also necessary for this school to be an ethical and political reference in the forefront of the discussions about the direction taken by the fields of education and health in Brazil, especially at this time of crisis when one of the most important conquests by Brazilian social movements, the Unified Health System (SUS, as per its acronym in Portuguese)(2), is threatened. Additionally, because it is part of a publicly funded university, EEUSP must take regular accountability before the society that keeps it, in a totally transparent and unbiased way. Even though the University of Sao Paulo is a research-focused university, its social recognition comes mainly from the education it provides, particularly at the undergraduate level. Its highly competitive entrance examination is the expression that Brazilians want to have their children at USP. Therefore, to distinguish itself for its excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education is another commitment by USP’s School of Nursing. The school’s scientific production is a contribution to the Brazilian society, to nursing, and to the health care area. Between 2010 and 2014, EEUSP’s professors published more than 250 articles a year both in national and international journals, totaling 1,370 articles in five years an evidence of its significant participation in the Brazilian nursing scientific production. EEUSP is a small school at USP. With a reduced number of professors and administrative and technical staff, it plays an active role in the construction of the university. Engaged in USP’s global movement, the School is actively involved in most of the initiatives proposed by the University and stands out for its engagement in teaching, research, and continuing education activities. It is necessary to take advantage of this participative, creative potential to create solutions that will enhance the value of people and the work they do. Teaching, research, and continuing education the tripod on which the university’s work rests and the ultimate purpose of public universities are the focus of this administration. EEUSP’s undergraduate program is lined up with contemporary trends in the field of teaching and learning. The new political-educational projects for the