Registered nurse education in North Macedonia: a roadmap for change

Around the globe, the nursing profession plays a key role in supporting improved population health outcomes. However, it isrecognized in many countries that until the nursing profession and its individual members are recognized, developed and
respected, the full potential of the nursing contribution will not be achieved. Not until nurses are empowered and supported will
they be able to lead significant change in health policy, service commissioning, health-care design and delivery, and the education of the profession’s members. This feasibility study has identified a groundswell of support for nurses but has overwhelmingly highlighted the importance of raising the academic standard and rigour of nurse education. For nurses to lead as clinicians, managers, educators, researchers and policy-makers, new entrants to the profession as well as existing nurses must have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding, and the right skills to shape health care. It is imperative that nurses become effective members of the multidisciplinary health-care team, where they are listened to and their contribution to the care of patients is valued. Nurse leadership roles have in many cases yet to be created in North Macedonia, but will be essential to increase the pace of change, following the roadmap suggested in this study.