Similar and different – adjustment of clinical nursing education to educational reforms in the Scandinavian countries

A qualitative document analysis of national guidelines in Nordic nursing education using the European Federation of Nurses Associations Competency Framework

“…While the aim of the Bologna Process was to ensure the mutual recognition of qualifications and learning periods in higher education throughout participating EU member states, 5 further standardization of nursing education in the EU is needed. 8,10 It is possible that the variety related to the structure of national guidelines discerned from the data in this study could be linked to a provision in EU Directive 2013/55/EU, in which it is stated that the providers of nursing education should ensure that graduates possess the specific skills and knowledge needed to work in the nursing profession. 6,7 This may explain the further inter-country differences discerned regarding the emphasis of the educational programs (Table 1), structure, and possible differences in the content on the curricula level.…”

“…8 In a study of nursing education in the Scandinavian countries in relation to the Bologna Declaration and various EU Directives, researchers found more similarities than differences between the included Scandinavian countries regarding the programs/curricula seen. 10 In one study of clinical nursing education in five Nordic countries, researchers found that the structure and content of clinical education were similar but that the methods to meet the needs of a new nursing generation were lacking and suggested the development of new teaching and reflective structured assessment methods. 11 In one discussion (opinion paper) of EU Directives in relation to nursing education in Nordic countries, it was concluded that current EU regulations should be modified to better suit the manner in which healthcare is organized in the various EU member states.…”