Vocational Nurse
The aim of the study programme is to provide students with contemporary theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of nursing care, based on modern scientific achievements and evidence from practice. The programme is designed to familiarize students with the principles, standards, methods, and techniques of modern nursing practice, while also developing their ability to apply them in various clinical and outpatient work settings. Special emphasis is placed on the development of professional skills, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, humanity, and empathy in working with patients, their families, and the wider community.
The study programme enables students to acquire the competencies required for the independent, responsible, and high-quality performance of nursing care tasks within healthcare institutions at different levels of healthcare provision — primary, secondary, and tertiary. Through theoretical teaching and practical training, students are prepared for teamwork in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment, effective communication with other healthcare professionals, and active participation in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care.
In addition to professional knowledge and skills, the programme encourages the development of professional identity, responsibility toward one’s own work, and the continuous improvement of the quality of healthcare services. Students are motivated toward lifelong learning, keeping up with contemporary trends in healthcare, and applying innovations in nursing practice. Upon completion of the study programme, graduates gain a solid foundation for further professional, academic, and career development, as well as for active involvement in the development of the healthcare system and the improvement of individual and community health.
The competencies of graduates of the Vocational Nurse study programme are based on contemporary professional knowledge and skills in the field of nursing care, practical understanding of the needs of the healthcare system, as well as applicable national and international standards and recommendations in the field of nursing and health protection. These competencies are aligned with the applicable legal and professional regulations, as well as with the classification of the National Qualifications Framework of Serbia (NQFS), level 6, within the field 06 – Health and Social Care, specifically nursing care and nursing practice.
Upon completion of the study programme, students acquire applied professional knowledge and skills that enable them to perform more complex professional tasks in the field of nursing care independently and responsibly, within clearly defined professional frameworks.
Students who complete the Vocational Nurse study programme become qualified to:
• independently and responsibly perform nursing care duties within their professional authority, in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards;
• participate in the work of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in healthcare institutions at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare provision;
• apply contemporary methods, procedures, and techniques of nursing care in working with patients of different age groups and health conditions;
• provide support to patients and their families through education, health promotion, and health education activities;
• maintain healthcare and nursing documentation, as well as apply information systems in healthcare;
• apply professional ethics, principles of humanity, safety, and responsibility in working with patients.
In addition to the general competencies of NQFS level 6, students also acquire the following subject-specific competencies:
• carrying out basic and specialized nursing care procedures in accordance with the treatment plan and the instructions of the healthcare team;
• recognizing patients’ healthcare needs and responding in a timely manner in line with the acquired competencies of a vocational nurse;
• applying safety measures, occupational protection, and infection control procedures in healthcare institutions;
• properly using medical equipment, instruments, and consumable materials in everyday nursing practice.
Learning outcomes, especially taking into account that professional practice is an integral part of the curriculum of this study programme, are reflected in the mastery of the following knowledge and skills:
• providing high-quality, continuous, and safe nursing care to patients;
• effective communication with patients, their families, and members of the healthcare team;
• applying theoretical knowledge in practical work under real healthcare conditions;
• organizing and delivering nursing care in accordance with contemporary professional standards;
• developing responsibility toward one’s own work and readiness for continuous professional development.
Through these competencies and learning outcomes, graduates are qualified for efficient, humane, and professional work within the healthcare system, as well as for further education and professional development in the field of nursing care, in accordance with their level of qualification.