Degree Programme

Profile: Nurse

Functions: According to Ministerial Decree 739/94, the main functions of nursing graduates are disease prevention, care for the sick and disabled of all ages, and health education. Nurses participate in the identification of the health needs of the individual and the community; identify the nursing needs of the individual and the community and determine health care objectives; plan, manage, and evaluate nursing care interventions; guarantee the correct application of diagnostic-therapeutic prescriptions; act both individually and in collaboration with other health and social workers, as well as with support staff as necessary.

Nursing graduates have multiple professional opportunities both within public social and health structures (hospitals, assisted health care residences, social and health structures, home assistance, ambulance and helicopter assistance, etc.) and within private health care structures (private clinics, private residential structures, cooperatives, etc.) and as self-employed professionals (home assistance, consultancy, etc.).

The areas of competence associated with their functions are:

  • culture, ethics, and values;
  • health promotion and prevention, guidance and education;
  • decision-making;
  • communication and teamwork;
  • research, development, and leadership;
  • nursing.

In order to possess the formal qualification of nurse, the graduate must be able to apply the following minimum skills:

A. Autonomously diagnose the requested nursing care using current theoretical and clinical knowledge, as well as plan, organise, and implement nursing care interventions in the treatment of patients based on the knowledge and skills described in the Dublin descriptors for best practice.

B. Work effectively with other health professionals and collaborate in the practical training of health personnel based on the knowledge and skills acquired.

C. Encourage individuals, families, and groups in the development of healthy lifestyles and self-care skills, based on the nature and ethics of the profession and the general principles concerning health, health care, and the nursing profession.

D. Autonomously initiate immediate actions to preserve life and carry out such measures in crisis or disaster situations.

E. Advise, instruct, and support individuals and their family members in need of assistance.

F. Ensure and independently assess the quality of nursing care.

G. Communicate clearly and professionally in collaborations with other health care professionals.

H. Evaluate the quality of care given in order to improve the professional practice of general nursing care.


Skills: Nursing graduates participate in the identification of the health needs of the individual and the community; identify the nursing needs of the individual and the community and formulate health care objectives; plan, manage, and evaluate nursing care interventions; guarantee the correct application of diagnostic-therapeutic prescriptions; act both individually and in collaboration with other health and social workers as well as with support staff when necessary; perform their professional activity in public or private health care facilities and in homes, as employees or self-employed professionals; contribute to the training of support staff, and keep themselves updated in respect to their professional profile and research.

Career opportunities: Nursing graduates may continue their studies by enrolling in a Masters degree contingent on passing an entrance exam. Graduates can also enroll in a first level professional development programme and in postgraduate courses. After acquiring a Masters degree, graduates can enroll in a second level professional development programme and in a PhD programme.

Nursing graduates have work opportunities, subject to registration with the professional order (IPASVI), at public hospitals, accredited private hospital facilities, or private hospitals. They can also practice their profession in other territorial, national, and European structures or as self-employed professionals.