Beginnings of nursing education and nurses’ contribution to nursing professional development in Serbia

Nursing education and professional development in Serbia trace their origins to the 12th century, with Studenica Monastery serving as the site of the first hospital established by St. Sava in 1199. The study highlights the pivotal role of nurses, particularly during wars, where their contributions were marked by significant sacrifices. The earliest formal nursing education began in 1876 with a course organized by the Serbian Red Cross, followed by the establishment of the first midwifery school in 1899 and the School for Midwives of the Red Cross Society in 1921. The research underscores the enduring legacy of nurses, exemplified by figures like Dušica Spasić, whose dedication was honored with an annual award established in 2004. This historical account provides a comprehensive overview of nursing's evolution in Serbia, emphasizing its roots in both monastic and humanitarian traditions.

Vlaisavljevic, Z., Colovic, N., & Perisic, M. (2014). Beginnings of nursing education and nurses’ contribution to nursing professional development in Serbia. Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo, 142(9-10), 628–636. https://doi.org/10.2298/sarh1410628v