Objective: To describe chronologically, the historical recount of the role that nursing has played since its inception as a profession, in emergencies and disasters of greater magnitude, relevance, that have occurred in the world and in Colombia. Methodology: The methodology used was historical narration following the hermeneutical synthesis method. The study sub-method was chronological and geographical. Results: The nursing profession has been undergoing an important transformation, due to the demands of society and technological developments. Among the main disasters that have occurred, nursing has played a very important role in preventing some of them and minimizing their collateral effects. Conclusion: It is possible to see how the different emergency events that have occurred throughout history and in different geographical locations around the world have favorably marked the development of nursing as a profession.