Modern Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Nursing Practice in the Kyrgyz Republic: Results of a National Survey of Nurses

This article presents the results of a national survey aimed at identifying current challenges and prospects for the development of nursing practice in the Kyrgyz Republic. The study involved 944 nurses working in various regions of the country. The questionnaire included items related to workload, workforce shortages, emotional burnout, patient safety, communication, practice-oriented education, and the development of nursing as a professional field. The findings revealed that the most significant challenges affecting nursing practice include high workload, shortage of nursing personnel, emotional burnout, inadequate remuneration, excessive documentation requirements, and limited opportunities for professional development. The highest ratings were given to the role of nurses in ensuring patient safety, the importance of practice-oriented education, effective communication, and the development of nursing as a key direction of healthcare reform. Content analysis of open-ended responses confirmed that the identified challenges are multifactorial and associated not only with individual competencies but also with organizational and systemic factors within healthcare institutions. The study highlights the need for comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening nursing practice through workforce development, expansion of professional autonomy, implementation of modern educational technologies, and enhancement of the role of nurses in improving healthcare quality and patient safety. The findings may be useful for healthcare policymakers, nursing educators, and healthcare managers involved in the modernization of the nursing profession in the Kyrgyz Republic.