Nursing education in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland

Abstract

Development of nursing education in three European countries is presented in an historical context. The educational system as well as the political and economic influences in these countries are discussed. The current status of reform and academization of nursing education in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland is highlighted. In Austria, several nursing courses have been developed and implemented in the school of education at the University of Graz. In Germany, over 20 university and "Fachhochschule" programs have been established since 1990 for nurse-educators and-managers, although attempts to reform basic nursing education are being thwarted by some government officials. Swiss nurses are negotiating for a nursing science program at the University of Basel and have established new guidelines to revise the 3-year basic nursing schools.