“Nurse’s professional activity today includes more and more complex areas of health care, which require a significant amount of additional professional training in a specific specialized field. In order to provide patients with high-quality health care services in a professional manner, five specialized areas of nursing are distinguished in Lithuania, where only those general practice nurses who have completed the relevant nursing specialization program can engage in special nursing practice.
Nursing specialization programs not only broaden and deepen the competencies of nurses, but also provide more opportunities to remain active in the labor market, to choose a more attractive activity or workplace,” said Artūras Šimkus, adviser of the Nursing and Long-Term Care Department of SAM.
Better nursing services for the patient
Table of Contents
Most often, nursing specializations are chosen by already working specialists. There are also cases when the programs are chosen by people who have not worked for a long time in terms of education, who need to update their knowledge and improve their practical skills. According to Gabrielė Turlinskienė, head of the Partnerships and Practical Training Department of Vilnius College, some specialists acquire several specializations.
“The reasons that could encourage nurses to acquire several specializations can be various: the desire to improve and deepen their knowledge, to gain more responsibility in various areas of nursing; the aspiration to have more opportunities related to the workplace, salary and working hours, to occupy desired positions that require special education”, said G. Turlinskienė.
According to the interlocutor, during the training, nurses can acquire knowledge that was not available in the bachelor’s study programs or was of limited scope: “A nurse who has acquired specialization allows to ensure patient-oriented and specialized care. As a result, the patient will receive even better quality care.”
Sigita Damanskienė, coordinator of non-formal education at the Šiauliai State College, also agreed, saying that after successfully completing the non-formal education program, nurses expand their competences, gain more knowledge, which allows them to more objectively assess the patient’s condition and changes in vital functions: “Specialists who have acquired specialization have an even clearer vision: more focused oversees, monitors, cares for patients, assumes greater responsibility”.
Non-formal education programs are offered by 5 higher education institutions
Up to 6 months programs that last can be completed and the relevant nursing specialization can be obtained at Klaipėda University, Klaipėda State College, Vilnius College, Kaunas College and Šiauliai State College. The programs are organized in a mixed form of training: the theoretical part is taught remotely, and practical sessions, during which nurses are prepared for independent work, take place in auditoriums and medical institutions.
According to G. Turlinskienė, “after completing the program “Operatsina slauga”, the nurse is able to properly prepare medical instruments for surgery and, after the surgery, hand them over for sterilization after sorting them. Also to assist during various operations”.
Nurses who have acquired the specialization “Anesthesia and intensive care” can work together with anesthesiologists during operations and administer drugs for anesthesia. Also – to provide assistance during critical and life-threatening conditions, monitor, support and stabilize vital functions.
The specialization of “Psychic health care” allows the nurse to provide personal health care services to persons with mental illnesses, to provide them with nursing recommendations and to cooperate with other health care professionals in assessing the mental health of patients. Also create individual mental health care nursing plans for the individual.
According to S. Damanskienė, a representative of the Šiauliai College, the “Community nursing” specialization allows nurses to provide primary outpatient personal health care community nursing services while working in a family doctor’s team.
Nurses who have successfully completed the “Emergency Medical Care Nursing” program can work in reception-emergency departments of health care facilities, emergency medical teams, and other facilities that have a personal health care license and provide emergency medical care.
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#Specializations #nurses #additional #competences #prospects #labor #market
2024-09-06 02:16:00
The Growing Importance of Nursing Specializations in Lithuania
In today’s healthcare landscape, the role of nurses has evolved significantly, encompassing a range of complicated areas that require extensive additional training and specialization. This necessitates that nurses broaden their professional skills, ensuring they can deliver high-quality care to patients in accordance with contemporary healthcare demands. In Lithuania, specialized nursing areas have emerged to support this growth, allowing nurses who have completed designated specialization programs to engage more effectively in their practice.
Key Nursing Specializations in Lithuania
According to Artūras Šimkus, an adviser from the Nursing and Long-Term Care Department of the Ministry of Health, specialized nursing programs enhance nurses’ competencies while also opening doors for better employment opportunities. This flexibility not only enriches their professional lives but also contributes to improved patient outcomes.
Advancing Patient Care Through Specialization
The nursing specializations offered in Lithuania cater primarily to those already in the workforce but also to individuals looking to revive or update their knowledge and skills. As Gabrielė Turlinskienė, head of the Partnerships and Practical Training Department at Vilnius College, points out, motivations for pursuing multiple specializations can range from a desire for enhanced responsibility to improved career prospects and salary.
Nurses who acquire specialization can often offer more tailored care, a factor that plays a critical role in the patient’s recovery process. Sigita Damanskienė, a non-formal education coordinator at Šiauliai State College, emphasizes that specialized training equips nurses with the ability to effectively assess patient conditions and necessary interventions, thereby leading to a higher level of care.
Overview of Nursing Specialization Programs
In Lithuania, several higher education institutions offer non-formal education programs to help nurses specialize in various fields. These programs typically last up to six months and mix theoretical learning with practical experience:
- Klaipėda University
- Klaipėda State College
- Vilnius College
- Kaunas College
- Šiauliai State College
The training within these programs largely occurs remotely, while practical sessions are integrated into the curriculum, allowing for a comprehensive learning experience.
Specializations Offered
1. Operating Room Nursing
Nurses specializing in Operating Room Nursing learn vital skills such as preparing medical instruments for surgeries and assisting during various operations.
2. Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nursing
Nurses who focus on Anesthesia and Intensive Care are trained to work alongside anesthesiologists, administer anesthesia, and provide critical care during life-threatening situations.
3. Psychiatric Health Care Nursing
This specialization equips nurses to care for patients with mental health disorders. They develop individual care plans, counsel patients, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective mental health support.
4. Community Nursing
Nurses specializing in Community Nursing work within family practice teams, delivering personalized outpatient care and supporting overall community health.
5. Emergency Medical Care Nursing
Focusing on emergency situations, nurses trained in this specialization can function effectively in emergency departments and other healthcare facilities, providing critical and immediate care.
Conclusion
The nursing profession in Lithuania is adapting to the evolving demands of the healthcare sector through the establishment of specialized programs. This not only empowers nurses with advanced skills but also enhances the quality of patient care. As educational institutions continue to offer diverse specialization opportunities, nurses can expect to optimize their potential and fulfill their roles more effectively in a dynamic healthcare environment.
By investing in specialized nursing education, Lithuania is paving the way for a robust healthcare workforce, ultimately benefitting both healthcare providers and patients alike. Whether you are a nurse looking to enhance your skills or a potential student considering a career in nursing, these specialization programs can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful professional journey.
