BOLS Verksamhetsrapport 2006/2007

NSHU, the Swedish Agency for Networks and Cooperation in Higher Education, has commissioned Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare to coordinate a Bologna Network for Nursing Educators in Sweden (later called the BOLS Network ) with a grant of 900 000 SEK from NSHU. The structure of BOLS consisted of a contact person on every institute of higher education (in October we reached 25 of 26), and they were coordinated by a designated coordinator at Mälardalen University. A Website was created in relation to the goals of the Network, for e.g. reports, statements. A network committee was established with participants from Luleå University of Technology, Mälardalen University, University of Gothenburg and University of Kalmar and from the Swedish Society of Nursing. An opening conference was held at February 9th 2007 where both similarities and differences in Swedish Nursing Curriculums were elaborated on (were focus of discussion) and concluded with an expert panel discussion. On October 29th 30th a National Bologna Conference What is possible to agree upon? - was arranged and focused the facilitation of student mobility, pointing out strategic areas where we need to develop consensus. 57 participants from 23 institutes of higher education were represented during this two day conference. A statement pointed out three areas of special importance; the Major subject area, the Clinical Education field and Qualification requirements for admission to advanced level. As a result of the conference, Joakim Öhlén at University of Gothenburg was commissioned to inventory and analyse the Major subject area. Our conclusion is that the BOLS Network has started a process of dialogue and we have reached a better understanding of the necessity of cooperation