• Vladimir J Simunovic, Marija Zupanovic, Frane Mihanovic, Tatijana Zemunik, Nikola Bradaric, and Stipan Jankovic.
• University of Split School of Medicine and Unit for Science and Research University of Split Hospital Center, 21000 Split, Croatia. vsimunov@public.carnet.hr
• Croat. Med. J. 2010 Oct 1; 51 (5): 383395383-95.

AimTo analyze the present status and ongoing reforms of nursing education in Europe, to compare it with the situation in Croatia, and to propose a new educational model that corresponds to the needs of the Croatian health care system.MethodsThe literature on contemporary nursing education in Europe and North America was reviewed, together with European Commission directives and regulations, as well as pertinent World Health Organization documents. In addition, 20 recent annual reports from 2003-2009, submitted by national nursing associations to the Workgroup of European Nurse Researchers (WERN), were studied.ResultsAfter appraisal of current trends, the Working Group on Reform of Nursing Education drafted The Croatian Model for Education in Nursing and developed a three-cycle curriculum with syllabus. The proposed curriculum is radically different from traditional ones. Responding to modern demands, it focuses on outcomes (developing competencies) and is evidence-based.ConclusionsA new, Croatian concept of nursing education is presented that is concordant with reforms in nursing education in other European countries. It holds promise for making nursing education an integral part of a unified European system of higher education.

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