Nursing Student Lara Vinko Publishes Article in BMC Nursing

The research conducted by Lara Vinko, MSc in Nursing, as part of her graduate thesis at the Catholic University of Croatia, has been published in the scientific journal BMC Nursing (Impact Factor: 3.9). Her article, titled “Enablers and barriers in the professional development of nurses employed full-time at university nursing studies in Croatia: a qualitative study,” explores the professional development of university teaching staff in nursing—a topic previously unexplored in the Croatian academic context. The findings are based on a comprehensive qualitative study conducted in 2024 with 52 full-time nursing educators from 12 higher education institutions across Croatia.
 

The research identified numerous challenges to professional development, including excessive administrative workload, lack of resources, difficulties in organising clinical placements, and a sense of inequality compared to other professions. Despite these obstacles, most participants expressed satisfaction with their academic careers, highlighting the importance of knowledge transfer, student engagement, and opportunities for professional growth.
 

The study concludes that improvements in working conditions and employment policies are crucial to enhance job satisfaction among academic nursing staff in Croatia. Special attention should be given to reducing administrative burdens, improving institutional management and support, increasing access to professional development opportunities, and providing appropriate recognition for their work.

The article is published in open access and can be read here.

Lara Vinko graduated in the 2023/2024 academic year from the Department of Nursing at the Catholic University of Croatia. Her thesis advisor was Full Professor Livia Puljak, PhD, a tenured faculty member at the University. The research was conducted in collaboration with scholars from various Croatian institutions offering nursing programmes.