Kyrgyzstan has started a new nurse training program as a pilot project

According to the Ministry of Health's press department, a new pilot training program for nursing specialists will begin in Kyrgyzstan in the next academic year. The program will take place in four pilot medical colleges in Bishkek, Naryn, Tokmok, and Uzgen, according to the agency, where nurses will be trained on a budgeted and contract basis.

Following a thorough examination of the current state of nursing education at Kyrgyz medical institutions, a few key points were identified. The current level of nursing education does not conform to the international standard for "assistant nurses." The quantity of credits available for students to pass through practice is insufficient to develop and consolidate practical skills. 

Furthermore, there is no mechanism in place to determine the level of professional competency of specialists by admitting graduates and certifying nursing practitioners. The challenge of finding work for graduates of educational institutions is linked to a flaw in the system for planning and distributing personnel potential. 

A local working group entirely redesigned the curriculum with expert assistance from Brigita Skela Savic, a nursing specialist, and professor at the University of Slovenia. 50% of all classroom hours will be dedicated to practice, with students fully engaged in the clinical process. 

Nothing like this has ever been taught in previous curricula at the secondary and higher school levels in the country of Kyrgyzstan. The study terms remain the same. It is, in fact, a three-year academic curriculum. An experimental basic professional educational program in the specialization "Nursing" has been designed at this level, in addition to the selection of pilot program participants.

Advantages of the nursing program in Kyrgyzstan

"Hygiene and infections linked with health in healthcare," "Theories, concepts, and science of nursing," "Nursing process and documentation," "Nutrition and Dietetics," and "Quality and safety of patients in healthcare," among other topics, have been included in the nursing program. 

The number of clinical practice hours has been greatly expanded, allowing students to learn greater skills in performing nursing interventions while being mentored by experienced nurses.

There is potential for clinical mentorship to grow. Practising nurses will be involved in the educational process as mentors, teachers, and clinical mentors in some disciplines.

The total number of loans has remained unchanged, meaning that the financial load on students and their families has remained stable, as has the length of the educational process. In addition, due to fewer subjects, clinical practice hours have been increased.

Differences in the new nursing program compared to before

In the nursing curriculum, general education subjects have been cut. Furthermore, the pilot nursing program has a distinct goal. Its focus is to enhance the professional unit as well as clinical practices.