In search of a Croatian model of nursing education.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the present status and ongoing reforms of nursing education in Europe, to compare it with the situation in Croatia, and to propose a new educational model that corresponds to the needs of the Croatian health care system.


METHODS
The literature on contemporary nursing education in Europe and North America was reviewed, together with European Commission directives and regulations, as well as pertinent World Health Organization documents. In addition, 20 recent annual reports from 2003-2009, submitted by national nursing associations to the Workgroup of European Nurse Researchers (WERN), were studied.


RESULTS
After appraisal of current trends, the Working Group on Reform of Nursing Education drafted The Croatian Model for Education in Nursing and developed a three-cycle curriculum with syllabus. The proposed curriculum is radically different from traditional ones. Responding to modern demands, it focuses on outcomes (developing competencies) and is evidence-based.


CONCLUSIONS
A new, Croatian concept of nursing education is presented that is concordant with reforms in nursing education in other European countries. It holds promise for making nursing education an integral part of a unified European system of higher education.
Simunovic
Vladimir J
VJ
University of Split School of Medicine and Unit for Science and Research University of Split Hospital Center, 21000 Split, Croatia. vsimunov@public.carnet.hr
Zupanovic
Marija
M
Mihanovic
Frane
F
Zemunik
Tatijana
T
Bradaric
Nikola
N
Jankovic
Stipan
S
D017523:Croatia; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D012196:Review Literature as Topic