Every gesture you make will be remembered by patients forever: Insubria welcomes 206 first-year Nursing students

“Remember that every gesture you make will be remembered by patients forever, for better or for worse, and that no doctor can do anything without the support of a nurse.” This was the powerful message addressed to the 206 first-year students enrolled in the Nursing degree programme at the University of Insubria during the Welcome Day, held at the Bizzozero Campus. The event brought together first-year students from the Varese, Como and Busto Arsizio campuses.

The students were welcomed by Fabio Angeli, President of the Nursing degree programme; Luigina Guasti, Director of the Department of Medicine and Surgery; Daniela Dalla Gasperina, Delegate for Teaching and Education; and Matteo Tozzi, representing the School of Medicine, together with administrative staff and tutors. Their speeches highlighted the importance of the nursing profession and its human dimension in caring for patients, particularly older people. Alongside professional skills, they stressed, it is essential to show attentiveness, empathy and a smile, even in difficult moments.

The morning also featured greetings from the executive management teams and the directors of the Healthcare Professions, Social and Technical Assistance Department (DAPSS) of ASST dei Sette Laghi, ASST Lariana and ASST Valle Olona, together with representatives of other affiliated healthcare facilities. Their participation highlighted the close cooperation between the University and healthcare providers in training future nurses.

The event also featured the personal story of Jhocylyn Yaranga, a young woman from Peru who came to Italy specifically to study Nursing at Insubria's Como campus.

The Welcome Day gave new students the opportunity to learn more about the university programme that will accompany them over the next three years. Their training will combine lectures, practical exercises, laboratory sessions and placements in local healthcare facilities, linking theoretical knowledge with the day-to-day realities of the profession from the outset.

As Professor Fabio Angeli emphasised, this programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities in a profession that is central to the future of healthcare. Nurses can work in hospital wards, outpatient clinics, community hospitals and home care services, as well as in emerging fields such as remote patient care.

The morning also introduced students to the opportunities offered by the University, including the Erasmus programme, and to the healthcare facilities collaborating with the degree programme to provide clinical placements across the three campuses. Those responsible for professional training, programme coordinators, tutors and current students shared their experiences and outlined the opportunities available throughout the course.

There are currently 206 students enrolled in the first year of Nursing across the three campuses: 84 in Varese, out of 100 available places; 79 in Como, out of 99 places; and 43 in Busto Arsizio, out of 50 places. The next round of admissions from the ranking list, which may allow further students to enrol, is scheduled for October 15–21.