In February 2024, the first cohort of nurses began the new Gynecology for Nurses course offered by Karolinska Institutet. This executive and professional education course, worth 7.5 credits, was developed to address a significant competence gap in women’s healthcare identified through discussions with Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing approximately 30 nurses from various regions of Sweden to balance their studies with clinical responsibilities.
The need for specialized training in gynecology for nurses has been recognized nationally for several years. Ongoing discussions between Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge and Karolinska Institutet led to the creation of this targeted course, which aims to improve nursing practices in gynecological services. Nursing Managers Isabelle Sundin Joandi and Louise Kalholm emphasized the importance of providing a pathway for nurses to specialize in gynecology without having to transition to midwifery.
“This course fills an important gap, particularly in pre- and postoperative nursing, where the demand for specialized care is substantial,” they stated. They further clarified that this initiative is not intended to compete with midwives but rather to complement their work, enhancing the overall quality of patient care.
Course Structure and Objectives
The course aims to create immediate value in clinical settings. Participants will deepen their clinical knowledge while undertaking a quality improvement project related to their own workplaces. This approach ensures that new insights are rapidly integrated into everyday practices, particularly in areas such as gynecological surgery, abortion care, and the management of common gynecological conditions.
“Our goal is for the nurses who complete the course to contribute to quality development in gynecological care from a nursing perspective when they return to their units,” Sundin Joandi and Kalholm explained.
Course director Sofia Alsing highlighted the flexibility of the program. With digital sessions via Zoom and a curriculum designed to fit within existing clinical workflows, participants can complete the course without lengthy absences from their regular duties. Many components are structured as half-day sessions, and coursework is facilitated through the learning platform Canvas, allowing for a steady and manageable pace of study alongside work commitments.
National Reach and Impact
Alsing noted the strong national reach of the course, with participants hailing from all parts of Sweden, from Region Västerbotten in the north to Region Halland in the south, representing a total of eleven regions. “It’s fantastic that participants truly come from all parts of the country. The geographical diversity greatly enriches the course through shared experiences and varied organizational perspectives, while also ensuring that new knowledge spreads broadly throughout Sweden,” she remarked.
By offering an accessible learning format that aligns with real clinical needs, the course aims to empower nurses with increased knowledge and confidence when handling patients with gynecological conditions. The collaborative effort between Karolinska University Hospital, the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, and Karolinska Institutet underscores a commitment to advancing the quality of healthcare for women across the nation.
