24 March 2026
Donostia-San Sebastián
The San Sebastian campus of the University of Deusto hosted an engaging event on 24 March focused on the healthcare sector in the region, where students from the first graduating class of the Nursing degree had the opportunity to gain direct insight into professional practice in Gipuzkoa through its key stakeholders. The event was jointly organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Deusto, led by Karmele Araujo, Head of the Nursing Department and liaison with partner organisations, together with the Deusto Alumni team, represented by Carolina Kutz.
The Gipuzkoa Nursing Council (COEGI) played a central role in the event. Its president, Arrate Zumeta, highlighted the importance of professional registration not only as a legal requirement, but also as a pillar of support and essential services for the practice of the profession. In this regard, Eider Etxebarria (COEGI board member) emphasised the need for specialised training in an ever-changing healthcare environment, outlining the Council’s training provision. Alazne Oiarzabal, the organisation’s officer, explained the practical steps for registration and outlined the wide range of services that support and enhance a nurse’s career.
The event allowed students to see that nursing is experienced in different ways depending on the mission of each organisation. Representatives of the most relevant organisations in the region shared their perspectives, among them: Policlínica Gipuzkoa, represented by María Jesús Diaz (Director of Nursing) and Miren Oihana Aristizabal (nurse and academic staff at Deusto); Clínica La Asunción, with the strategic insight of Patxi Izaguirre (HR Director) and the care approach of Mikel Oronoz (nurse and academic staff at Deusto); Hospital San Juan de Dios, represented by its Managing Director and University of Deusto academic staff member, Arantxa Picón, and the Director of Nursing, Begoña Maestro; Mutualia and Fundación Matia with Miren Letamendia, Director of Nursing and Nagore Etxabe, Supervisor at Clínica Pakea and Karol Machiñena and Maider Valverde, HR officers, who outlined the operation of their facilities and highlighted the human value of the profession in their specific areas.
The event, led by Estibaliz Novoa, coordinator of the degree at the San Sebastian campus, provided future nurses with an understanding of the different perspectives and missions within the healthcare system in Gipuzkoa. For this first graduating class, the day was not only informative but also inspiring: a clear roadmap for moving from the classroom to professional practice, with the assurance of knowing the institutions that will support them along the way.
