Biljana Kurtovic1, Adriano Friganovic2, Snjezana Cukljek3, Sandro Vidmanic4, Alessandro Stievano5. 1. University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: biljana.kurtovic@zvu.hr. 2. University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: adriano@hdmsarist.hr. 3. University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: snjezana.cukljek@zvu.hr. 4. Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia. Electronic address: sandro@hdmsarist.hr. 5. Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship - OPI, Rome, Italy; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: alessandro.stievano@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nursing in the world has developed exponentially in the past few decades, and Croatia is no exception as one of the Eastern European Countries. PURPOSE: This paper will attempt to outline the main changes that have been central to nursing education evolution in the country, and how nursing has developed as an profession and intellectual discipline. METHOD: This discussion paper examined journal articles, books and legislative documents that documented the development of nursing education and profession in Croatia. RESULTS: In the past three decades nursing in Croatia has been characterized by a series of changes leading to its professionalization. The Croatian Nursing Act has been established, nurses have defined their competencies, and a regulatory body and vertical education up to the highest levels has been set up. CONCLUSION: Croatian nursing profession has made significant progress in its development. The main challenges are related to nurse shortages and poor working conditions e.g. overtime work, low salaries, decreased nursing autonomy and the impossibility of working in the full scope of practice. Besides, the image of nurses in society still needs to be improved to achieve the level of more recognized health professions.
BACKGROUND: Nursing in the world has developed exponentially in the past few decades, and Croatia is no exception as one of the Eastern European Countries. PURPOSE: This paper will attempt to outline the main changes that have been central to nursing education evolution in the country, and how nursing has developed as an profession and intellectual discipline. METHOD: This discussion paper examined journal articles, books and legislative documents that documented the development of nursing education and profession in Croatia. RESULTS: In the past three decades nursing in Croatia has been characterized by a series of changes leading to its professionalization. The Croatian Nursing Act has been established, nurses have defined their competencies, and a regulatory body and vertical education up to the highest levels has been set up. CONCLUSION: Croatian nursing profession has made significant progress in its development. The main challenges are related to nurse shortages and poor working conditions e.g. overtime work, low salaries, decreased nursing autonomy and the impossibility of working in the full scope of practice. Besides, the image of nurses in society still needs to be improved to achieve the level of more recognized health professions.