Professional Challenges Of Advanced Practice Anesthesia Nurses In Albania
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Keywords:
Anesthesia Nursing, Professionalization, Clinical Competence, Emergency Care, Patient SafetyAbstract
Anesthesia nursing is a highly specialized field requiring advanced clinical knowledge and
technical skills. In Albania, formal anesthesia training is limited to a single undergraduate course, resulting
in limited preparedness and increased reliance on untrained staff. This study distributed a structured online
questionnaire to 24 anesthesiologists from five major hospitals, investigating competencies, perceived
roles, and institutional support for anesthesia nurses. Results highlight a lack of standardized protocols,
professional requirements, and structured educational pathways. A comparative analysis with international
standards, such as Austria’s one-year diploma program, reveals significant gaps. Urgent reforms are needed
in education, professional specialization, and protocol standardization to improve patient safety and
workforce competence.
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