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Occupational standard is the result of the agreement between relevant stakeholders in the labor market and education on optimal content for a particular occupation. While drafting occupational standard, the primary instrument for researching competencies at a workplace is a survey on occupational standard. This study identifies key competencies, roles, and responsibilities that are deemed necessary by employers of cardiovascular nurses. The survey addressed the responses of 41 organizations from 11 out of 21 counties in Croatia which were represented by the head nurses of cardiology departments in the hospitals. The survey consisted of 24 questions that covered the main responsibilities, competencies, generic skills, and psychometric abilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Conducting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, health care, education, administration of medications, monitoring, and documentation were listed as the main responsibilities of cardiovascular nurses. The most common skills included assessment, monitoring patient’s condition, knowledge of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and cardiovascular diseases, interpreting the electrocardiograms, preparing patients for checkups, conducting patient’s education, and following practice guidelines. Generic skills included communication and organizational skills, teamwork, and responsibility. Reaction time and attention span were the most assessed psychomotor abilities. Artificial lighting and radiation were the most important environmental risk factors. The most appropriate level of education for cardiovascular nursing was specialist graduate studies. The results of the study could be used to develop occupational standards for cardiovascular nursing and to guide the curriculum for the educational program development.

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Heart failure is a major and growing health problem that imposes a significant human and economic burden on individuals, families, and society through the associated high mortality, morbidity, and hospital readmission rates. It also impairs the quality of life and well-being of patients, families, and carers. The management of patients with heart failure depends on a detailed, systematic clinical assessment of their clinical presentation. Although treatments, especially pharmacological ones, but also devices, are increasingly effective, patients with heart failure and their families need education and support to help them understand and cope with treatments and any complications, make adjustments to their lifestyle, adhere to treatments, and take responsibility for their self-care.

Introduction. Comprehensive care for patients who no longer respond to treatment procedures is called palliative care. Palliative medicine does not delay or accelerate death, it promotes life, and considers dying as a normal process. In palliative medicine and care there is no place for hierarchy - teamwork, focus on the patient and respect for his autonomy are what is important. Aim. The conducted research shows the knowledge of nurses about palliative care at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care. Methods. Prospective research in the Republic of Croatia at three levels of health care has been conducted. The sample included 150 nurses. The instrument used in the study was the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). Results. The results showed that the nurses’ knowledge of palliative care is insufficient among the nursing population. Despite numerous training activities conducted over the past ten years, levels of knowledge are still lower than expected. Nurses at the primary level of health care have far greater knowledge than nurses at secondary and tertiary levels. Conclusion. Results of the study showed the need for quality education with real-life examples in order to achieve higher levels of empathy, spread knowledge about palliative care and about the importance of care for palliative patients. It is recommended to increase the number of educational activities in small groups, in the local language, adaptable and understandable to all health professionals.