Baccalaureate nursing education development in 2 Baltic countries: Outcomes 10 years after initiation

Background: Baccalaureate nursing education began in the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania ten years ago to prepare nursing teachers and leaders. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the outcomes of the initial baccalaureate programs for nurses in Latvia and Lithuania from the perspective of program graduates. Method: The method was an alumni survey developed by the authors in English and translated into the respective languages. Discussion: Most of the Latvian and Lithuanian alumni respondents were staff nurses on entering the baccalaureate programs, but after graduation were making a contribution as nursing leaders and teachers. Conclusions: The initial baccalaureate programs for nurses have been followed by increasing opportunities for nurses to pursue graduate study and careers in and outside of nursing. The infusion of prepared local nursing faculty to replace physician faculty and foreign short-term guest faculty promises continued development of nursing education.