Two levels of basic nursing education in Croatia

Introduction: There is a worldwide debate on the level at which the basic education of nurses should be organized. If it is at the baccalaureate level, as one view claims, it is doubtful who will perform the basic nursing care. This doubt also directed the reform of nursing education in the Republic of Croatia. The process itself was accompanied by a desire to preserve the existing rights of all nurses, and to ensure that all nursing interventions are carried out by licensed nurses. This paper aims to describe the process of adapting nursing education before Croatia acceded to the European Union. Also, the aim is to determine the differences between vocational and baccalaureate curriculum. Methods: The literature on nursing education was reviewed. Articles and documents about Union accession were studied. Nursing curricula were analysed. Results: In the Republic of Croatia, there are two levels of basic education. Both programs are in line with the European Union Directive. The Nursing Act separates these two levels with different competencies. The education reform respected the rights of nurses who were employed at the moment of joining. The education reform has ensured the implementation of nursing care by licensed nurses in all segments of the nursing process. Conclusion: Two levels of education ensured the development of nursing and the possibility of further education for nurses. The monopoly over all basic nursing skills is preserved.