How to Say "Nursing" in Spanish

enfermería

/enfeɾmeˈɾia/feminine

The Spanish word for nursing is enfermería.

enfermería means caring for patients. In a hospital setting, it can also refer to the physical location where nurses work (the nursing station).

Meaning: caring for patients (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is derived from enfermo (sick person), so it literally relates to the care of the sick.

In Argentina, the term enfermería profesional can be used in formal contexts.

As a feminine noun, enfermería must be preceded by feminine articles such as la or una.

/enfeɾmeˈɾia/

Unlike English, which uses 'nursing' for both medical care and breastfeeding, Spanish uses lactancia for the latter. Using enfermería to describe breastfeeding would be completely misunderstood.
The word enfermar is the verb 'to get sick'. This means the entire system of enfermería is linguistically built around the process of falling ill rather than the process of healing.
The root word enfermo comes from the Latin infirmus, meaning 'not strong'. This creates a linguistic link between Spanish 'nursing' and the English word 'infirmary'.

Para hacer uso del servicio de enfermería provisto por el seguro, es necesario hacer un reconocimiento (Se requiere autorización del seguro).
In order to make use of the nursing services covered by long-term care insurance, an authorization form indicating their necessity must be filled out.
This sentence is useful for discussing how to access the enfermería services provided by insurance.
Tatoeba #1622529 by wallebot, translation #327434 by AlanF_US
La enfermería es una profesión noble y gratificante.
Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession.
Los cuidados de enfermería son esenciales para la recuperación del paciente.
Nursing care is essential for the patient's recovery.
La asistencia de enfermería es clave en la atención de los pacientes.
Nursing assistance is key in patient care.
María decidió estudiar enfermería en la universidad.
María decided to study nursing in college.
Juan trabaja como enfermero práctico en el hospital local.
Juan works as a practical nurse at the local hospital.
Los pacientes necesitan un buen cuidado de enfermería para su pronta recuperación.
Patients need good nursing care for their speedy recovery.
La enfermería es muy exigente.
Nursing is very demanding.
Ella estudia enfermería en la universidad.
She studies nursing at the university.

Daniel and María are talking about their career choices.

Daniel

¿Qué carrera quieres estudiar, María?
What career do you want to study, María?
María

Quiero estudiar enfermería.
I want to study nursing.
Daniel

La enfermería es una vocación muy noble.
Nursing is a very noble vocation.
María

Sí, me gusta cuidar a los pacientes.
Yes, I like caring for patients.

Sources

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