During the First Nephrology Nursing Congress, held in Santa Marta from August 1 to 3 of this year, Professor Sandra Cecilia Narváez assumed the presidency of the Colombian Association of Nephrology Nursing. During the event, Professor Narváez also delivered a presentation, while her colleague Carlos Dorado presented a research project conducted in collaboration with students from the Nursing program.

The First Nephrology Nursing Congress, held in Santa Marta in early August, saw notable participation from the Nursing program at the University of Cauca. During the event, Sandra Narváez, an alumna and current professor of the program, was elected president of the Colombian Association of Nephrology Nursing. This appointment is a significant recognition of her over 15 years of dedication to the care of patients with chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, multi-organ failure, among other conditions. Her work has been crucial both in coordinating the Nephrology Service at the San José University Hospital in Popayán and in academia, significantly contributing to the development of this discipline from our cherished Alma Mater.

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Professor Sandra is a nurse from the University of Cauca, with a specialization in Nephrology Nursing from the University of Valle. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Educational Innovation at ICESI University and works as a professor in our Faculty of Health Sciences. 'My interest and constant effort to bring visibility to the nursing profession and the field of Nephrology have allowed me to establish networks at both national and international levels. I am a member of the Latin American Nephrology Nursing Association and have been a speaker at both national and international events in countries such as Peru and Mexico, where I have had the opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge on the management of critically ill patients with renal pathologies. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about nephrology, always focused on providing quality, comprehensive, and holistic care,' expressed Professor Sandra, reflecting her passion for her field of expertise.

It is worth highlighting that Professor Narváez is a founding member of the Colombian Association of Nephrology Nursing. As she mentions, this was a dream that emerged two years ago thanks to the initiative of five nurses passionate about Nephrology, who set out to improve the quality of care for patients with kidney disease and to bring visibility to the field of Nephrology Nursing. For this reason, Professor Sandra shares that 'Assuming the presidency is a significant personal and professional challenge, as Nephrology Nursing is a very demanding and noble profession that requires great dedication. Our work is crucial in improving the quality of life for patients with these conditions.'

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It is also important to highlight that the University’s name was prominent at this First Nephrology Nursing Congress due to the participation of our faculty. With the presentation 'Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalization,' Professor Sandra was also present, while Professor Carlos Dorado presented a research project in poster format, conducted in collaboration with the Research Methodology I students: María Fernanda Armero, Ingri Natalia Muñoz, Karla Massiel Salgado, and Diego Felipe Bravo. The project titled 'Nursing Interventions in Adult Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Admitted to an Adult Intensive Care Unit, Popayán 2024' fostered teamwork and student participation, allowing them to share knowledge and experiences in this area.

We celebrate the appointment of this distinguished Unicaucan as president of the Colombian Association of Nephrology Nursing, a role we know she will undertake with great commitment and responsibility, thus contributing to the strengthening and visibility of our Alma Mater’s Nursing Program, while continuing to drive collaborative research projects, seek resources, and establish networks that will enrich the academic formation of the students at this institution.

Finally, we congratulate Professor Carlos Dorado and the students who participated in the research project, and encourage other faculty and students to engage in national and international meetings, as these undoubtedly enhance knowledge, skills, and experiences.

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Communications Management Center