The history of nursing education in Slovenia reached a prestigious milestone in 2024, marking exactly one century since the first professional nursing lessons were taught in Ljubljana in January 1924. This commemorative brochure, published by the Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia, traces the evolution of the profession from its vocational beginnings to its current academic standing at the university level.
The Foundations: From Protective Nurses to Modern Standards
The journey of nursing education in Slovenia began with the founding of the School for Nurses in 1923, which started its first official curriculum in early 1924 with 20 students.
- Pioneering Figures: Angela Boškin, a mentor and teacher, was instrumental in validating nursing standards during the school’s infancy.
- Historical Titles: Graduates were originally known as “protective nurses” (zaščitne sestre), a title reflecting their preventive role in social and patient care.
- Educational Evolution: The curriculum expanded from a one-year program in 1924 to a three-year technical program by 1931, covering health, social, and patient care.
Academic Advancement and University Integration
Over the decades, the system underwent significant reforms to meet the growing demands of the public healthcare sector.
- The 1960 Reform: Nursing schools were reorganized into four-year vocational technical schools to unify the educational standards.
- Higher Education: Short-cycle higher vocational programs began as early as 1951, eventually leading to the integration of nursing and midwifery into the University of Ljubljana in 1975.
- Doctoral Milestones: A major peak in nursing education in Slovenia was achieved in the 2016/17 academic year with the accreditation of the first doctoral nursing study program at the University of Maribor.
Current Educational Landscape
Today, the profession is supported by a robust network of academic institutions. As of 2024, nursing and health sciences are taught at seven faculties and one international university across Slovenia, ensuring that the legacy of professional care continues through life-long learning and high ethical standards.
Publication Details
- Title: 100 Years of Nursing Education in Slovenia (100 let izobraževanja medicinskih sester v Sloveniji).
- Editors: Irena Keršič, Marjeta Berkopec.
- Publisher: Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia.
- Location & Year: Ljubljana, 2024.
- ISBN: 978-961-373-291-3.
