NURSING AND THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

Authors : Luba IVANOV

Pages : 98-103

View : 35 | Download : 16

Publication Date : 2010-02-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Ukraine, one of the largest post-Soviet countries in Eastern Europe, has endured social and economic hardships leading to unhealthy lifestyles and stress related conditions. These conditions have translated into an increase in HIV, TB, and infant mortality, along with a decrease in life expectancy for both women and men. Nurses, the cornerstone of a health care system, are ill prepared to address the health crisis. Their current education follows a medical model preparing them to function under a doctor’s direct supervision with no preparation in public health principles. Primary care functions such as physical assessment and health education are not part of nurses’ curriculum and therefore are performed by physicians. Nursing curriculum is beginning to change, but the changes are not unilateral. The current educational system for nurses and the very low salary they receive have led to a decline in the prestige of nursing as a profession. Collaboration with Western practicing public health nurses, nurse educators, and nurse researchers can help allay the crisis. Improving Ukrainian nurses’ educational preparation to include core functions of public health can positively impact the health of the population.
Keywords : Ukraine health care, Ukraine nurses, International health care