Nursing education in the European higher education area - Variations in implementation

Background: The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) aims to ensure comparable, compatible and coherent systems of higher education. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to statistically analyze nursing education in Europe. Analysis was based on the quantitative determinants essential in describing the implementation of nursing education. First, nursing education in the 45 member countries of the EHEA was analyzed. Second, nursing education in the 29 original member countries was analyzed in more detail. Both analyses focused on the similarities and differences between nations. Methods: A systematic literary review design was used. Data collection was conducted based on key quantitative determinants used to describe the implementation of nursing education. These determinants were based on the European Union standards and recommendations by the EHEA. Data were collected from three sources: research articles, internet databases and emails. The literature was analyzed using deductive content analysis. The data were quantified, studied and compared and the results were described based on frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. Results: More similarities than differences in nursing education were noted between the different EHEA member countries. A full academic pathway of studying for a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate in nursing was offered in 60% of the countries. Nevertheless, there are still countries offering education only on the diploma level, demonstrating that the differences between countries are at points rather significant. Conclusions: Based on the analyses, it is evident that there are still rather significant differences between countries and that support for aligning national practices and mobility is needed. A common ground in terminology and evidence-based recommendations published in English would be beneficial for countries currently developing nursing education programs. We also suggest creating an online database containing information on nursing education for all 45 member countries to support the mobility of nursing students, nurses and researchers. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.