A review of nurse educator career pathways; a European perspective

Abstract

AbstractIn 1999, the Bologna declaration was established to increase standardisation of higher education including nursing education across Europe. This process encourages improved workforce mobility within the European Union as qualifications become increasingly recognised across a number of European countries. This article identifies current intelligence around a specific discipline in nursing: regarding the nurse educator, what is written and known about career pathways, the underlying influences within nurse training and further opportunities for study at the higher academic levels. A study of the literature across European countries together with a focus group workshop of nurse educators held in Udine, Italy, in November 2007 has enabled the authors to review the position and status of nurse educators across a number of European countries and identify factors affecting nurse educator mobility. Common themes and shared concerns have been identified as has recommendations for future research.