Today, on European Day of Practical Nurses, initiated by the European Council of Practical Nurses (EPN), we turn our attention to the invaluable work of practical nurses, one of the cornerstones of our healthcare system. At HSN, we currently have exactly 99 practical nurses on staff. We thank them for the warmth, professionalism, and care they show every single day.

We also want to highlight the patient care staff working alongside practical nurses at HSN. It is particularly gratifying that a significant number of them are currently pursuing practical nurse qualifications while continuing in their roles.

Across HSN’s service area, 28 individuals are enrolled in basic or vocational training for practical nurse certification at the upper secondary level. In addition, six practical nurses are undertaking diploma studies for further specialization at the University of Akureyri. We are truly fortunate to have such a strong and ambitious team.

Practical Nurse Bridge – Vocational Training for Certification

Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Lilja Hrund Másdóttir, future practical nurses in Húsavík, gave us insight into the Practical Nurse Bridge program, which offers experienced patient care staff at HSN the opportunity to advance their education. In Húsavík, there are currently 25 practical nurses and 18 students in training: 11 enrolled in the Bridge program at Framhaldsskólinn in Húsavík and 7 studying practical nursing at Fjölbrautarskóli Norðurlands vestra.

"Continuing Education Centers, in collaboration with HSN, offered experienced patient care staff a skills assessment in the practical nurse track in spring 2024 to evaluate our professional standing and identify ways to grow and develop in our roles. Many of us in Húsavík seized this opportunity and decided to begin studies alongside our work in the so-called Bridge program. Most of us will graduate as practical nurses next year, which is very exciting as the group continues to grow."

A New Perspective and Stronger Professional Identity

"We both started as unqualified healthcare workers, but we are trained social care assistants and have spent nearly our entire careers in caregiving. We had extensive experience and weren’t sure that practical nurse training would add much. But the skills assessment showed us where we stood professionally and encouraged us to take the next step. Since then, we’ve discovered that we’ve learned an incredible amount and grown both personally and professionally."

The two colleagues, Lilja and Lilja, feel stronger in their professional roles after completing the program. "The training has given us so much and opened a new perspective on the work. We have more opportunities to learn from colleagues, participate in more projects, and feel increased confidence and initiative. We’re also all friends here and in the program, going through this together, which makes the studies more enjoyable and strengthens us as a group."

Congratulations to all practical nurses on your special day!