Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Enablers and barriers in the professional development of nurses employed full-time at university nursing studies in
Lara Vinko1, Valentina Koscak2,3, Mia Plenkovic4
1Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
Background:
Multiple studies have highlighted the challenges faced by nurse educators working in an academic setting. However, to date, no published research has explored this issue in the Croatian context. This study explored and described the enablers and barriers to the professional development of full-time nurses employed in university-level nursing education programs in Croatia.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted from February to March 2024. Participants were full-time nurse educators holding teaching positions at 12 university-level nursing programs across Croatia. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
Of the 58 individuals who met the inclusion criteria, 52 (90%) nurse educators participated in the study. The sample comprised 10 men and 42 women, ranging in age from 28 to 64 years. Participants identified work overload, particularly the burden of administrative tasks and competing responsibilities, as the primary barrier to their professional development. Additional challenges included limited time and resources, difficulties in organising clinical practice and mentoring, and a perceived disconnect between academic and clinical settings. Despite these challenges, the majority of participants reported overall satisfaction with their academic careers, highlighting the intrinsic value of knowledge dissemination, student engagement, and professional growth. Institutional support was noted in the form of co-financed educational opportunities, mentorship, and involvement in decision-making processes.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicate that improvements in working conditions and employment policies are needed to enhance job satisfaction among nurses employed in university nursing programs in Croatia. Key areas for intervention include reducing administrative burdens, strengthening management and organizational structures, increasing institutional support, and promoting access to continuous professional education. These factors are essential to fostering the professional development of nurses within an academic setting.
Clinical Trial Registration:
Not applicable. This study was not a clinical trial.
More Related Videos
05:04Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
13:44Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:22The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
01:09Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide...
01:16Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III
Cultivating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among nurses transcends mere enhancement...