Lithuania – the overview
Caretakers job market analysis
According to the National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health average salary of a nurse is 1292 euros (before tax), 22 000 people work in the Nursing field in Lithuania.
According to the data available to the Social Security and Labor Ministry, about 12 000 people work in the field of social services in Lithuania: about 4000 of them are social workers, others work as social worker assistants, visiting care workers and personal assistants. The average salary of an employee in the field of social services is about 1 039 euros (before tax) or about 674 euros (after tax). From 2019 the provision of the Law on Monetary Social Assistance to the Deprived entered into force that unused monetary social support funds must be allocated to increase the salaries and improve working conditions of employees in the field of social services and to increase the salaries of social benefit specialists of municipal administrations.
The map shows the salaries (before tax) of social workers in all Lithuanian municipalities (2019), (see in the picture No 1).
The need of professions, according to the data of Employment Services Under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania is present in the picture No 2
(Resource https://uzt.lt/en/market/situation )
In this list, there is no need for social worker assisstants or nurse‘s assisstants, but if we search the databases of job search portals, we will find mostly that home care institutuions, hospices need a lot of nurse‘ assisstants.
Qualification requirements for caretaking professions
General practice nurse [1]
Nurses belong to the professional group of health care workers, whose education and professional practice are regulated by national and international legal acts, law, declarations European Union (hereinafter – EU) Directive[2][3][4], The Law on Nursing and Midwifery Practice[5], The Orders of the Lithuanian Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Science, and Munich declaration[6]. Lithuania Medicine Norm MN 28:2019 „General practice nurse“ lay down rights, duties and competency of General practice nurse. This norm is mandatory to all nurses working in the Republic of Lithuania, their employers, institutions which prepare these specialists as well for the institutions providing professional development programmes and institutions which monitor their activities.
Professional qualification of General practice Nurse is gained after completion of General practice Nursing study programme in higher education institution (there are different degrees in Nursing: Professional bachelor degree- after completion of the college studies, Bachelor degree after completion of the university studies, Master degree in Nursing after completion of the Master studies and Doctor in Science in Nursing). At the moment general practice nurses are prepared at three universities of Lithuania (LUHS, Klaipeda University and Vilnius University) and at seven colleges (Alytus, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevežys, Šiauliai, Utena and Vilnius).
The right to work as the Nurse [7] has the person with required education and holding the licence issued by the State Health Care Accreditation Agency under the Ministry of Health for nurses for general nursing practice according to The Law on Nursing Practice and Midwifery Practice of the Republic of Lithuania (No IX-413 of 28 June 2001), The order No V-1088 of 30 December 2009 of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania “On the approval of the rules on licensing of nursing practice“ and other legislation.
Skills and competencies
Upon completion of the first cycle university studies or professional higher education studies a general practice nurse shall have the following abilities:
- To independently determine nursing care needed based on the theoretical and clinical knowledge available, plan, organise and deliver nursing care to patients undergoing treatment in order to improve professional practice;
- To work effectively with other entities of the health care system, including the participation in practical training of health care professionals;
- To encourage individuals, families and groups to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of their health;
- To independently initiate urgent life-saving measures and implement them in times of crisis and emergencies;
- To independently advise, instruct and support individuals in need of nursing care and people providing care to them;
- To independently ensure the quality of nursing care and assess nursing care;
- To interact comprehensively on professional matters and cooperate with professionals of other health care sectors;
- To analyse the quality of nursing care with the aim of improving the professional practice of a general practice nurse.
- The training of a general practice nurse shall ensure that a professional in question acquires the following knowledge and skills:
- Comprehensive knowledge of sciences related to nursing, including sufficient understanding of the anatomy, physiological functions and behaviour of both healthy and ill individuals, the relationship between an individual’s health state and their physical and social environment;
- Knowledge of the nature of profession and ethics, and general principles of health care and nursing care;
- Sufficient clinical experience—this experience, which should be chosen depending on its educational value, shall be acquired under the supervision of qualified nursing care staff and in a setting where qualified staff and equipment meet the needs of patient nursing care;
- Ability to participate in practical training of health care staff and experience of working with this staff;
Experience of work with staff specialising in other areas of the health care sector.
Nurse assistant professional qualification [8]
The right to work as a Nurse’s assistant has a person who acquired a nurse’s assistant professional qualification following the Laws of the Republic of Lithuania. This professional qualification is acquired after completion of formal Nurse’s assistant professional training program in duration not less than 60 credits in the formal education institution.
Persons qualified as a nursing assistant who has one of the following conditions:
- have completed not less than 360 hours specialisation program if Nurse’s assistant;
- have completed not less than 360 hours qualification program “Nurse assistant in the healthcare institution” and has a certificate;
- before August 31, 2019, are admitted and completed not less than 360 hours qualification program of Nurse’s assistant and has the certificate;
- He/she is a student of higher education institution and has finished first-year college Nursing program or midwifery program courses and has the Transcript of records (Academic Transcript) issued by HEI’s.
- he/she is a university student in the Medicine program and has finished two- years courses and has the Transcript of records (Academic Transcript) issued by the university.
- he/she has acquired the professional qualification of a general practice nurse or a professional qualification equivalent to the professional qualification of a general practice nurse;
- he/she has acquired the professional qualification of a midwife and have a document certifying this.
Existing VET learning programs for caretakers
Nursing study programs in higher education establishments: colleges and universities
The main document at the present time for the preparation of the Nursing study programs and their implementation is a Nursing study field descriptor [9] approved by the Order No. V-798 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania of 23 July 2015.
The study field of nursing belongs to the area of biomedical sciences and the group of study fields of medicine and health. A Professional Bachelor’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree awarded correspond to the sixth level of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning as well as the first cycle of the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area, whereas a Master’s degree corresponds to the seventh level of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning as well as the second cycle of the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area. It also includes obstetrics as a branch.
Studies of the first cycle of the study field of nursing is organized on a full-time basis and studies of the second cycle are organized on a full-time or part-time basis. The design, volume (number of credits, contact hours), curriculum and learning outcomes of study programmes awarding the same qualification degree shall not differ irrespective of the form of studies.
Admission and completion
Persons with at least secondary education shall be enrolled in study programmes of the first cycle studies of nursing in an admission contest subject to their learning outcomes, entrance examinations and other criteria established by the higher education institution. Higher education institutions shall establish a list of competitive subjects by study fields and the principles for the award of contest points, the lowest possible entrance grade and other criteria, having received the assessment of student representation, and publish them no later than 2 years preceding the start of the academic year. Upon completion of professional higher education studies a Professional Bachelor’s degree in nursing or obstetrics and a qualification of general practice nurse or obstetrician shall be awarded if the higher education institution has the right to award these qualifications in accordance with law;
Upon completion of the first cycle university studies a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or obstetrics and a qualification of general practice nurse or obstetrician shall be awarded if the higher education institution has the right to award these qualifications in accordance with law;
UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES (full-time study duration 3,5 years/210 ECTS)
Professional Bachelor’s Degree/Nurse Qualification
The aim of professional higher education studies of the first cycle in the study field of nursing care is to train general practice nurses capable of caring for both healthy and ill individuals of any age, families and communities in all stages of the nursing care process, demonstrating critical thinking, social responsibility, self-sufficiency and ability to work in a team, holistic approach, and research-based practice. Professional higher education studies of the first cycle shall be focused on the training of professional nurses for work in health care establishments of all levels, rehabilitation centres and social care facilities.
The training of general practice nurses (first cycle studies) shall consist of studies lasting at least three years which additionally may be expressed in an equivalent of ECTS credits and consisting of at least 4,600 hours of theoretical and clinical training where theoretical training accounts for at least one third and clinical training no less than half of the essential training.
Teaching/ training
Theory teaching in study programmes of professional higher education studies and university studies of the first cycle during which future nurses acquire professional knowledge, skills and competences shall be delivered by lecturers of nursing and other competent individuals in universities and colleges. Clinical training is part of nurses’ training during which nurses are trained to work as members of a team who have direct contact with both healthy and ill individuals and (or) community, who learn to organise, deliver and assess the required comprehensive nursing care based on the knowledge, skills and competences acquired. Future nurses learn not just to work in a team but also lead the team and organise all care, including health care education to individuals and small groups in health care establishments and within the community.
The duration of clinical practical training (professional practical training) in health care establishments or social care facilities of different levels shall be at least 2,300 hours. Professional training is essential in order to be granted the right to practice the regulated profession. Professional training shall be done during the studies leading to a diploma or after the studies. Teaching and learning is a set of educational measures designed to ensure the training of nursing and obstetric professionals whose competencies meet the needs of the European Union and national labour markets. The achievement of learning outcomes shall be ensured by combining theoretical teaching with practical training in a real-life clinical setting.
Professional higher education studies of the first cycle of the study field of Nursing shall be completed by way of assessing graduates’ competency demonstrated during the defence of their final thesis or during the defence of their final thesis and final examinations which shall give at least 9 credits. Final thesis (project) for Professional Bachelor’s degree shall demonstrate student’s ability to analyse nursing practice situations, opportunities for the development of nursing care services in an institution or community, be based on the knowledge and abilities defined in the learning outcomes of the study programme. Final thesis (project) shall demonstrate student’s ability to analyse topic selected, assess works by other authors in the field of nursing and obstetrics, learn independently and conduct empirical research focused on practice, describe applied research conducted, formulate in a clear and reasoned manner research findings and proposals. Final thesis (project) evaluation Commission shall be formed in accordance with the procedure defined by the higher education institution; however, at least half of the members on the Commission shall be social partners. The chairman of the Commission shall be a representative of the social partners;
Achieved levels of learning outcomes define the requirements for graduates’ knowledge and practical abilities by tying them to the level of learning achievements and possible academic and/or professional career. Learning achievement levels for study programmes of Nursing and Obstetrics shall be as follows: threshold (minimum requirements), typical (standard, average requirements) and excellent (higher than average requirements). Threshold level of achievement shall be understood as the level that all studies graduating from the programme are required to achieve.
UNIVERSITIES
Bachelor study program (4 years duration, 240 ECTS)
The aim of the first cycle university studies of the study field of nursing is to train professionals in nursing and obstetrics capable of performing functions that require knowledge of the science and practice of nursing and obstetrics, universal training in the theory of nursing and obstetrics, research skills in promoting the health of individuals, families and communities. A Bachelor’s degree in the study field (branch) of nursing affirms graduate’s preparedness to work as a general practice nurse or obstetrician in health care establishments and preparedness for the second cycle university studies to attain Master’s degree in the selected study field (branch).
Teaching/training
Theory teaching in study programmes of professional higher education studies and university studies of the first cycle during which future nurses acquire professional knowledge, skills and competences shall be delivered by lecturers of nursing and other competent individuals in universities and colleges.
Clinical training is part of nurses’ training during which nurses are trained to work as members of a team who have direct contact with both healthy and ill individuals and (or) community, who learn to organise, deliver and assess the required comprehensive nursing care based on the knowledge, skills and competences acquired. Future nurses learn not just to work in a team but also lead the team and organise all care, including health care education to individuals and small groups in health care establishments and within the community.
The duration of clinical practical training (professional practical training) in health care establishments or social care facilities of different levels shall be at least 2,300 hours. Professional training is essential in order to be granted the right to practice the regulated profession. Professional training shall be done during the studies leading to a diploma or after the studies.
Teaching and learning is a set of educational measures designed to ensure the training of nursing and obstetric professionals whose competencies meet the needs of the European Union and national labour markets. The achievement of learning outcomes shall be ensured by combining theoretical teaching with practical training in a real-life clinical setting. University studies of the first cycle of the study field of Nursing shall be completed by way of assessing graduates’ competency demonstrated during the defence of their final thesis or during the defence of their final thesis and final examinations which shall give at least 12 credits.
Final thesis (project)for Bachelor’s degree shall be an original piece of research conducted and recorded by the student demonstrating student’s ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during studies, ability to both choose and use scientific literature (analyse, summarise, present), apply and modify research methods, independently solve tasks put forward, present in a logical manner conclusions and practical recommendations, also demonstrating the ability to describe research conducted in a concise and comprehensive manner using the grammatically correct language.
While writing their final thesis (project) the student has to learn how to solve tasks put forward independently, conduct search of scientific literature in the field of nursing and obstetrics and evaluate this literature critically, know how to prepare research design, justify the relevancy of the research topic chosen, select and adapt data analysis methods, interpret research results and summarise them through justified conclusions and proposals, concisely describe research and prepare a presentation of research conducted. The preparation and defence of the final thesis (project) shall take place in accordance with the procedure established by the higher education institution;
Achieved levels of learning outcomes define the requirements for graduates’ knowledge and practical abilities by tying them to the level of learning achievements and possible academic and/or professional career. Learning achievement levels for study programmes of Nursing and Obstetrics shall be as follows: threshold (minimum requirements), typical (standard, average requirements) and excellent (higher than average requirements). Threshold level of achievement shall be understood as the level that all studies graduating from the programme are required to achieve.
After completion of the program, the graduate is given a Diploma and Diploma Supplement The education is recognised in EU, EEA and other countries.
Universities of Applied Sciences:
Alytus UAS https://alytauskolegija.lt/general-practice-nursing/
Utena UAS https://www.utenos-kolegija.lt/en/studies-program/general-practice-nursing
Kaunas UAS https://www.kaunokolegija.lt/en/studiju-programos/general-practice-nursing-2/
Klaipeda state UAS https://www.kvk.lt/file/manual/Tarptautiniai%20ryšiai/Studiju%20programos/General%20Practice%20Nursing%20EN.pdf
Šiauliai state college https://www.svako.lt/uploads/ssc-general-practice-nursing-2020.pdf
Panevėžys UAS https://panko.lt/en/programa/bendrosios-praktikos-slauga/
Vilnius UAS https://en.viko.lt/for-students/degree-programmes-in-lt/general-care-nursing/
VET learning programs in caretaking for deaf
VET-opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people + available VET programs in caretaking
The deaf and hearing impaired are taught in vocational schools in separate groups, the individual integration of them into common groups is difficult due to the lack of sign language interpreters. In many vocational schools the educational environment is not adapted for the deaf.
In Lithuania 18 vocational schools have Social worker assistant teaching program and 9 vocational schools have Nurse assistant teaching program:
Kaunas Construction and Service Training Center
Klaipėda Ernestas Galvanauskas Vocational Training Center
Panevėžys Labor Market Training Center
Vocational Training Center “Žirmūnai”
Šiauliai Labor Market Training Center
Vilkija Agricultural School
Visaginas Technology and Business Vocational Training Center
Alytus Vocational Training Center
Zarasai Vocational School
The most popular training institution is Vilnius Technology Teaching and Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre executes teaching, socialization and integration into society of the disabled, persons with disorders and difficulties in learning, according to special training programs. Students with intellectual impairment, hearing and complex disorders, which limit their possibilities to obtain a profession, communicate and integrate into society, study in the Centre. The students are provided different services of professional teaching, professional rehabilitation, professional guidance and consulting, social development, psychological counseling, health care and leisure activities. Training programs and teaching tools are created in the Centre. Training programs are adjusted to the needs and abilities of the students, individualized and differentialized.
The students are given possibilities for free accommodation in the dormitory and free meals. The Centre provides professional teaching according to licensed programs; cook, interior decorator (construction worker), joiner, publisher, women’s clothing seamstress, handicraft manufacturer. Training course lasts 3 years. Training courses include practice in companies. Every year 50-60 students complete their studies in the Centre. Students of 16 years old and older can join the Centre. Teaching programs: bread and pastry baker, tailor-operator, tiler-plasterer, cook.
According to the data of Lithuanian Deaf Society 278 deaf are graduate, they studied at universities and universities of applied sciences. At the moment 28 people study in high schools, 188 attend special schools. The deaf and hearing impaired are most likely to choose the profession of seller and painter.
Employability of deaf and hearing-impaired people
The main problems in the employment of the deaf and hard of hearing are communication and integration in institutions. Employers and employees do not know how to communicate with these persons.
Vocational Consulting and Employment Office aim – to help with employment as quickly and successfully as possible, taking into account a person’s qualifications and preferences. It is used a new approach to recruit the deaf or people with hearing impairment.
There is no data available to find about employment of deaf or hearing-impaired people in the official statistic, as the laws of Lithuania doesn´t allow to distribute employees with disability according their diseases or disability.
[1] https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/5aec6040a6db11e9b474d97de297fe08
[2] Directive 2005/36/EC Of The European Parliament And Of The Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications
[3] EU Parliament and Council Directive 2005/36/EC. On the accreditation of the minimal requirements for the preparation of nurses and midwifes and mutual recognition of acquired qualification.
[4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013L0055&from=LT
[5] The Law of Nursing and Obstetrical Practice, 009-07-14, Official gazette. 2009, Nr. 89-3801 (2009-07-28),Vilnius
[6] Munich Declaration “Nurses and Midwives: a force for health”. Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2000
[7] https://www.verslilietuva.lt/en/health/
[8] https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/149d1900cd6d11e9a56df936f065a619
