María Magdalena González Ortega, paradigm of nursing in Ciego de Ávila

Abstract

Introduction: The history of nursing in Cuba presents documentary gaps regarding the provincial figures who forged the development of the profession. The province of Ciego de Ávila lacks systematic studies that recover the trajectories of its founding nurses.

Objective: To reconstruct the life and professional trajectory of María Magdalena González Ortega as a paradigm of nursing in Ciego de Ávila.

Methods: Biographical case study with qualitative approach, developed in Ciego de Ávila during 2023-2025. The historical method was used for the reconstruction of the era, documentary analysis of primary sources (curriculum vitae, institutional documents, photographs) and in-depth interviews with three work colleagues. Data analysis followed Bardin's thematic content analysis procedure, with formation of inductive categories.

Results: Three analytical categories emerged: a) revolutionary commitment and vocational training; b) academic excellence and professional development; c) transformative leadership in nursing education. María Magdalena González Ortega became the first nurse to hold the rectory of a medical sciences university in Cuba. Her professional practice articulated Nightingale nursing values with the Cuban sociopolitical context.

Conclusions: The trajectory of María Magdalena González Ortega illustrates the construction of a professional paradigm based on academic excellence, social commitment and transformative leadership. Her life constitutes historical heritage of Cuban nursing and a formative reference for new generations.