Helga Bragadóttir, RN, PhD, FAAN, is Dean, Professor and Chair Nursing Administration, at the University of Iceland Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery.

Dr. Bragadóttir has served as Dean since 2022 with previous experience as vice-dean, as well as having extensive experience as chair of the graduate program at the Faculty. Her main teaching area is nursing administration and leadership in health care, where she has led the development and coordination of courses and programs nationally and internationally.

Dr. Bragadóttir has been active in international research and development projects as well as teaching and is with Dr. Teddie Potter Professor at the University of Minnesota a pioneer in collaborative on-line international learning (COIL) in health sciences.

Her area of research is work and work environment of nurses, safety and quality of care and use of technology in health care.

In the past decades she has led studies on the work of nurses in acute care, missed nursing care and nursing teamwork in close collaboration with Dr. Beatrice J. Kalisch and other scholars internationally.

Her publications are on quality of care, nurses’ work, staff and patient satisfaction and COIL.

She holds a joint position at Landspítali University Hospital where she primarily works with nurse administrators and leaders on the development of nursing services, safety, and quality improvements.

Dr. Bragadóttir has served on several committees and boards within nursing and health care, such as ethics committees, national working groups for Icelandic authorities and organizational committees and teams.

FINE Executive Board members: 2024-2026

Dear FINE members.

I have decided to run for place as a board member of the FINE executive board for 2024-2026. My contribution to the work of FINE is based on my education and experience as a nurse scholar from reputable nursing programs rated among the best internationally. Since 2022 I have served as dean at the University of Iceland Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, with previous extensive experience as professor, vice-dean, and chair of the graduate program. Besides being a full-time professor and dean, I hold a joint position at the Landspítali University Hospital in Iceland as chair of nursing administration. I have served on several committees and boards within nursing and health care nationally and internationally. I earned my BS in nursing from the University of Iceland in 1986, my MS in nursing in 1997 and my PhD in nursing in 2004 from the University of Iowa. During my career, whether serving in the role of clinician or administrator, I have always been involved in teaching and academia and participated in and led curricula revisions. Besides teaching at universities in Iceland and the US, I have experience of course coordination, teaching and consultancy in European nursing programs. In partnership with the University of Minnesota, I developed graduate courses in nursing administration and leadership, which have been run successfully each year since 2014. These include both collaborative online international learning (COIL) courses as well as an on-site international course at the University of Iceland.

Facing the current and future challenges of nursing and health care in Europe and internationally, I find myself obliged to contribute to the work of FINE in the next couple of years.

With humility and respect,

Helga Bragadóttir, RN, PhD, FAAN, Professor and Dean.

Dr. Dimitrios Theofanidis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Nursing of the International University of Greece where he has been teaching Geriatric Nursing, Neurological Nursing, Rehabilitation, Intercultural nursing, Health Psychology, Older People’s Care, Epidemiology and clinical skills since 2008.

In 1993 he graduated from the Nursing Department of ATEI, in 1995 he obtained a Master's Degree in Nursing from Liverpool University and in 2014, a Doctorate from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom and in 2020 he obtained a Master's Degree in Christian Ethics and Theology from the Theology school of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The main theme of his doctoral thesis was the study of hospitalization of patients with ischemic stroke, and more specifically the comparative assessment of outcomes of hospitalization in three different types of hospital wards while his latest Master’s thesis concentrated on the ethical dilemmas arising from the decision to proceed with abortion after rape.

Since 1993 he has worked as a nurse in various hospitals in the United Kingdom and Greece From 2008, to date, he has been working as a member of the teaching staff of ATEI and has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Francisco Morazan, Honduras for a 6 month period, in the framework of the European program for the promotion of EU-Latin America cooperation.

Dr. Theofanidis' research activities focus mainly on stroke care, Alzheimer's disease and moral issues of care.

He is the Co-coordinator of 30 Erasmus KA107 International Mobility projects, involving the US, Indonesia, South Africa, Georgia, China, India and more. His research is presented in international scientific journals with >150 publications, most of them in English, with an H-Index of 16 and more than 2000 citations.

Dr Dimitris Theofanidis

Associate Professor, Nursing Department, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece

Email: dimitrisnoni@yahoo.gr, cell: +30 6945227796

15-10-2024

Dear all,

I am writing to you in order to express my sincere interest in becoming a member of the Executive Board of FINE.  As a dedicated nurse tutor, I am passionate about advancing nursing education across Europe and fostering collaboration among educators and health care professionals.

Being a member of the Executive Board over the last year, I gained extensive experience in   understanding the challenges and opportunities that educators face in their everyday work.

I strongly believe that by continuing my participation in FINE, I will contribute meaningfully to the organization while expanding our professional network.

Our Workgroup in Thessaloniki last year, was a wonderful opportunity to meet most of you in person and I am now confident that we can all together as a team, expand our teaching, curriculum development and student mentorship all aligned with FINE’s overall mission to promote excellence in nurse education.

Kind regards

Dr Dimitris Theofanidis

Mirko Prosen, PhD, MSc, BSc, RN, FFNMRCSI
University of Primorska
Faculty of Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Polje
42 6310 Izola
Slovenia 26

September 2024

Mrs. Cécile Dury
President of European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science (FINE)

Dear Madam President of FINE, Mrs. Dury,
Dear Executive and Advisory Board Members,
Dear Members of the FINE General Assembly,

I am writing to express my interest in joining the Executive Board of the European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science (FINE) for the 2024-2026 mandate. My first introduction to FINE was in 2018, when I had the privilege of attending the FINE conference held in Valletta, Malta. There, I was honoured to receive first prize for a conference poster. This experience inspired my appreciation for FINE’s mission, and since then, I have actively followed and engaged with the federation's activities.

As a nursing educator, I am passionate about fostering excellence in nursing education and ensuring that nurse educators are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the European region. I believe that my experiences in teaching, research, and leadership strongly align with FINE’s core values of integrity, inclusiveness, and adaptability in the fields of education and healthcare.

If given the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board, I aim to contribute by supporting initiatives that promote innovative teaching and learning methods in nursing education, life-long learning opportunities for educators, and collaboration among nursing educators and researchers across Europe. Additionally, I would work to further enhance FINE’s role in shaping policies at both national and, especially, European levels. My goal is to help strengthen the recognition and value of nursing sciences within the broader educational, scientific, and healthcare systems.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to FINE’s ongoing mission of excellence, leadership, and inclusiveness and would be honoured to bring my passion and experience to the Executive Board.

Sincerely,

Mirko Prosen

Dr. Mirko Prosen is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Slovenia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, as well as a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Sciences. He specializes in the sociology of health and illness, with a focus on advancing women's health, studying health disparities, and transcultural nursing, particularly in education. Dr. Prosen has played a pivotal role in integrating transcultural nursing into Slovenia’s nursing curriculum and has contributed to establishing this focus internationally. His work is recognized not only for its scientific rigor but also for its direct impact on healthcare education, helping to develop culturally competent healthcare professionals worldwide. He is currently serving his second term as Vice Dean for Student Affairs.

As a registered external expert for the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, Dr. Prosen's contributions extend beyond academia. He also serves as an External Examiner at the University of Limerick and holds memberships in numerous prestigious organizations, including the European Transcultural Nursing Association (as a national representative), the European Society for Health and Medical Sociology, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing. His extensive involvement in these organizations, including leadership roles, reflects his commitment to promoting excellence in nursing education and transcultural healthcare practices.

Dr. Prosen has been instrumental in leading international collaborative projects related to nursing education and other topics. He serves as an editor, reviewer, and member of the editorial board for several national and international journals. He is also the author of numerous scientific articles and monographs.

Among his many accolades, Dr. Prosen received the University of Primorska award for "Inspiring Young Teacher/Researcher" in 2020 and the prestigious Republic of Slovenia Award for Outstanding Achievements in Higher Education in 2022, particularly for his work in transcultural education for healthcare professionals. His achievements have earned him national and international recognition, including fellowships (such as the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery), grants (for example STTI Grant in 2013, French Goverment Grant in 2019), and best poster awards at international conferences.

Prof. Antonio Bonacaro is a distinguished educator, researcher, and practitioner with a career spanning over three decades in the fields of teaching, clinical practice, and innovative research across Europe and beyond.

Throughout his professional journey, Prof. Bonacaro has been steadfast in his commitment to enhancing nursing education through a multicultural, multi-faith, and inclusive approach. His extensive academic career includes positions at prestigious institutions in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, and other countries around the world. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that nursing education must be adaptable and culturally sensitive to prepare future nurses for the complexities of global healthcare.

In addition to his teaching roles, Prof. Bonacaro is a respected researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of nursing science. His research portfolio is extensive, encompassing interdisciplinary projects that tackle critical issues such as aging, chronic disease management, and the utilization of advanced technologies in healthcare. His collaborative work integrates perspectives from medicine, sociology, and technology, aiming to address the multifaceted challenges faced by healthcare systems today. His research findings have been widely published in leading academic journals, influencing evidence-based practices in nursing across Europe.

Prof. Bonacaro is also at the forefront of transforming nursing education through innovative teaching methods. He has pioneered the development of simulation-based education and digital learning tools, including gamification, to foster clinical skills and critical thinking among nursing students. His dedication to innovation ensures that nursing education remains relevant and responsive to the evolving demands of healthcare.

Currently, Prof. Bonacaro serves as an Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of Parma, Italy. He remains a passionate advocate for high-quality, inclusive nursing education that embraces diversity and prepares students to meet the challenges of global health with confidence and compassion.

Dear FINE Members,

I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in serving as Executive Committee Member of the European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science. With over thirty years of experience as an educator, researcher, and practitioner, I am passionate about advancing nursing education through a diverse, inclusive, and innovative lens. I am eager to bring my expertise to FINE and collaborate with fellow educators to drive forward the future of nursing education.

My career has spanned various academic positions in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This extensive experience has provided me with a deep understanding of the unique cultural and educational challenges faced by nursing educators and students alike. I am committed to creating an educational environment that celebrates cultural diversity, ensuring that future nursing professionals are equipped to deliver compassionate and effective care in any setting.

In my research, I have focused on interdisciplinary projects that address significant healthcare challenges such as aging, chronic disease management, and the integration of advanced technologies. I am a strong advocate for evolving nursing education to meet these challenges head-on, and I have dedicated myself to developing cutting-edge simulation-based and digital learning tools. By integrating innovative strategies, I strive to enhance clinical skills and critical thinking among nursing students, preparing them for a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

If given the opportunity, I would be honored to contribute to FINE’s mission by promoting high-quality, inclusive nursing education that values diversity and prepares students for global health challenges. I am confident that my international experience, commitment to educational innovation, and dedication to excellence would make me a valuable asset to the organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to working alongside you all to advance nursing education across Europe.

Sincerely, 

Antonio

Dr. Antonio Bonacaro, PhD, MSN, FHEA, ARU, ATF, FESNO, Pg Cert L&T, RN 
Associate Professor in Nursing
 Department of Medicine and Surgery 
University of Parma 
Via Antonio Gramsci 14 
43125 Parma, ITALY 
Landline: +39 0521 902079 
Email: antonio.bonacaro@unipr.it 

Madame, Monsieur,

Membre de FINE Europe depuis le congrès de Barcelone en 2024, je vous soumets ma candidature au bureau exécutif de notre fédération. Ma volonté de contribuer activement au développement des formations infirmières européennes me pousse aujourd’hui à briguer cette fonction.

Actuellement maître d’enseignement au sein d’une Haute école spécialisée en Suisse, je suis également conseiller pédagogique pour la filière infirmière. Fort de plus de 14 années d’expérience en enseignement, aussi bien en Suisse qu’en France, je dispose d’une solide expertise en sciences infirmières et en sciences de l’éducation. Docteur en sciences de l’éducation, j’ai consacré mes recherches à la résilience des étudiants infirmiers et je suis engagé dans la diffusion de connaissances à travers un podcast sur la santé mentale.

Mon engagement pour une pédagogie innovante et ma volonté de renforcer la collaboration internationale me motivent particulièrement à rejoindre le bureau exécutif. Si j’étais élu, mes objectifs seraient d’augmenter la visibilité de FINE Europe, de favoriser les partenariats de mobilité pour les étudiants et les enseignants, et de développer des projets de recherche en sciences de l’éducation infirmière.

Je souhaite également mettre à profit mes compétences en communication, gestion des réseaux sociaux, et innovation pédagogique pour contribuer à la promotion de nos activités. Polyglotte, je maîtrise l’anglais et l’italien, ai de bonnes compétences en espagnol et en allemand, et suis natif francophone, ce qui constitue un atout majeur pour faciliter les échanges à l’échelle européenne.

Je vous remercie pour l’attention portée à ma candidature et reste à votre disposition pour tout complément d’information.

Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Olivier Morenon

Olivier Morenon est maître d’enseignement à la Haute école spécialisée de Suisse, où il enseigne auprès des étudiants en soins infirmiers depuis 2019. Conseiller pédagogique de la filière infirmière, il met à profit ses connaissances en sciences humaines et en recherche pour former les futurs professionnels de la santé.

Avant son poste actuel, il a enseigné en France pendant cinq ans, notamment à l’Université Aix-Marseille, où il a été chargé de cours pour les étudiants en master de sciences infirmières. Titulaire d’un doctorat en sciences de l’éducation de l’Université Lumière Lyon II, il a consacré sa recherche à la résilience et à la vulnérabilité des étudiants infirmiers, un thème central de ses publications académiques.

Olivier s’investit également dans des approches pédagogiques innovantes, comme l’animation d’un podcast sur la santé mentale, afin de sensibiliser et d’accompagner les étudiants dans leur parcours. Sa passion pour l’éducation et son engagement dans le soutien à l’apprentissage se traduisent par la création d’environnements pédagogiques favorisant la réflexion et le développement des compétences.

Il est membre de FINE Europe depuis le congrès de Barcelone 2024 et aspire aujourd’hui à intégrer le bureau exécutif pour renforcer la collaboration entre les institutions européennes. Olivier souhaite, en tant que représentant suisse, contribuer à la visibilité de FINE Europe, favoriser les partenariats de mobilité et développer les projets de recherche en sciences de l’éducation infirmière.

Bilingue en anglais et en italien, et ayant de bonnes compétences en espagnol et en allemand, Olivier dispose des atouts nécessaires pour travailler dans le contexte européen. Ses compétences en communication et en innovation pédagogique, associées à son réseau, en font un candidat idéal pour un rôle exécutif au sein de FINE Europe.

I’m a Portuguese Nurse, passionate about promoting excellence in Nursing.

My journey began with a Nursing degree (2005, Nursing School Ângelo Fonseca), followed by a Master’s in Palliative Care (2012, University of Porto), a PhD in Nursing Sciences (2017, University of Porto), a specialization in Medical-Surgical Nursing Palliative Care (2020), and a Postdoc in Health Sciences (2023, University of Coimbra). I’ve pursued development through programs in Portugal, the UK (King’s College London), Belgium (Erasmus+), and Spain, focusing on critical thinking, online e-activities, and simulated practice.

I bring over 19 years of experience, including 12 years in clinical practice in hospitals and community care, which has deeply influenced my approach to Nursing education and research.

In 2017, I transferred to academia, coordinating a hybrid postgraduate course in Palliative Care (2018-2022) and co-coordinating the bachelor’s in Nursing (2020-2022), while chairing the Quality Assurance Committee (2019-2022) and integrating the Technical-Scientific Council (2017-2021). Since 2022, I’ve been an Adjunct Professor at Porto Nursing School.

Since 2015, I’ve collaborated with the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education, evaluating Nursing and Palliative Care programs in Portugal and Macau. This experience has been crucial in equipping me for further challenges, including my involvement in the Regional Expert Committee on Research, Education, and Training at the Portuguese Nursing Council, and, since 2023, my role in the scientific coordination of the Portuguese Observatory of Palliative Care.

As a researcher, I’ve published over 58 papers, co-authored three books, and received a fellowship from the Portuguese Nursing Council. I’ve contributed to projects like the OECD initiative on creativity in higher education and the European Research Council-funded EOLinPLACE project across four contrasting countries: Portugal, the Netherlands, the USA, and Rwanda.

Looking ahead, I remain dedicated to enhancing Nursing education and inspiring future empowered Nurses.

Dear Members,

It is with great enthusiasm that I apply for the position in the Executive Board of the European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science (FINE) for the 2024-2026 mandate.

In 19 years of experience as a Nursing practitioner, educator, and researcher, I’ve dedicated myself to advancing Nursing care and improving patient outcomes, thereby elevating Nursing as a practice-based and regulated profession and a research field.

My academic and professional background has given me a well-rounded perspective on guiding future Nurses in their training. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education is a vital pillar of socioeconomic development, playing a critical role in shaping human capital and facilitating the translation of knowledge into practice. Thus, I’m driven to take an active role in Nursing education, empowering future Nursing leaders.

I believe that my fresh outlook can be an agent of change, building bridges between novice and senior Nurses, as well as among Nursing educators and researchers. My involvement in high-quality and impactful initiatives, such as the OECD project (https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/ceri.html), the European Research Council-funded EOLinPLACE project (https://www.uc.pt/en/eolinplace/), and my work with the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (https://www.a3es.pt/en/accreditation-and-audit-0), among others, has helped me develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, adaptability, and innovation while working with people from different countries and backgrounds.

Aligned with FINE's mission, I aim to mobilize professionals and stakeholders to transform healthcare systems' approach to Nursing education, fostering dialogue about the field's realities and needs, and establishing a European task force to collaboratively develop a comprehensive strategy for Nursing education across Europe.

I would be honored to contribute to FINE’s mission by advancing Nursing education, enhancing the profession, and improving care for society while actively collaborating with FINE and its members to shape the future of Nursing.

Lettre de motivation Cécile Dury

Je postule pour un nouveau mandat dans l'exécutif de FINE, et plus spécialement au poste de présidente de FINE. Je suis engagée dans FINE Europe depuis de longues années, d'abord comme enseignante en soins infirmiers puis dans le comité exécutif depuis 2010. J'ai renouvelé un second mandat en 2013, en tant que vice-présidente en charge de la communication. En 2019 j’ai été élue présidente de FINE Europe et réélue en 2022. J'ai participé pleinement aux activités de FINE, contribué à l'organisation de différents Workgroups et aux conférences internationales. Je connais l'association et ses objectifs, je souhaite travailler dans la continuité, en étroite collaboration avec les membres de l'exécutif et du comité consultatif.

Je souhaite poursuivre différents objectifs :

- Influencer les politiques liées à la formation infirmière et à la formation des enseignants en sciences infirmières aux niveaux national, européen et international.

• Collaborer activement avec les autres associations européennes en lien avec la santé et la commission européenne ;
• Promouvoir un continuum clair dans la formation infirmière en Europe ;
• Agrandir le réseau des membres afin de favoriser les échanges de bonnes pratiques pour répondre aux besoins actuels et futurs des secteurs de la santé et de l'éducation ;
• Communiquer efficacement en matière de formation infirmière pour devenir un acteur clé des lieux de décisions politiques.

Je souhaite veiller au développement et à la coordination de l'association en mettant l'accent sur l'exercice d'un leadership collectif, le travail en équipe et une articulation optimale entre les membres de l'exécutif, du comité consultatif et les membres.

Je désire m'engager dans cette fonction, avec toute mon énergie et mon potentiel créatif, pour promouvoir une formation infirmière en Europe de qualité qui réponde aux besoins de santé des populations dans un monde en mutations.

Cécile Dury

Directrice de la Catégorie Paramédicale Henallux+32 498 14 49 79cecile.dury@henallux.be

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Cécile Dury Cover letter

I am applying for a new mandate on the FINE Executive, and more specifically for the position of President of FINE. I have been involved in FINE Europe for many years, first as a nursing teacher and then on the Executive Committee since 2010. I was re-elected for a second term in 2013, as vice-president in charge of communications. In 2019 I was elected President of FINE Europe and re-elected in 2022. I have participated fully in FINE's activities, helping to organise various Workgroups and international conferences. I know the association and its objectives, and I want to work in continuity, in close collaboration with the members of the executive and the advisory committee.

I would like to pursue various objectives:

• To influence policies relating to nursing education and nursing teacher education at national, European and international level.
• Collaborate actively with other European health-related associations and the European Commission;
• To promote a clear continuum in nursing education in Europe;
• To expand the network of members in order to encourage the exchange of best practice to meet the current and future needs of the health and education sectors;
• Communicate effectively on nursing education, so as to become a key player in political decision-making.

I want to oversee the development and coordination of the association, focusing on collective leadership, teamwork and optimal coordination between the members of the executive, the advisory committee and the members.

I wish to commit myself to this role, with all my energy and creative potential, to promote high-quality nursing education in Europe that meets the health needs of populations in a changing world.

Cécile Dury

Directrice de la Catégorie Paramédicale Henallux+32 498 14 49 79cecile.dury@henallux.be

Biographie Cécile Dury

Cécile Dury est Infirmière, titulaire d’un Master en Santé Publique de l’université Catholique de Louvain en Belgique francophone. Elle a suivi la formation doctorale de l’European Academy of Nursing Science.

Elle a exercé une pratique professionnelle dans des unités de soins intensifs, des services médicotechniques et a accompagné des étudiants en formation clinique dans les unités de pneumologie, orthopédie, urgences et réanimation. Elle est devenue enseignante en 1997. Elle a occupé les postes de coordinatrice de la spécialisation en Soins Intensifs et Aide Médicale Urgente, de coordinatrice pédagogique pour les sections soins infirmiers et sagefemme et est actuellement Directrice du domaine de la santé de la Haute-École de Namur-Liège-Luxembourg, en Belgique. Elle gère également le centre de formation continue et de recherche en santé. Ses compétences sont axées sur le développement des programmes de formation, la formation des enseignants et l’accompagnement des équipes au changement.

Elle est membre de différents conseils d’administration d’organisations en lien avec les projets de santé, et engagée dans FINE Belgique-Luxembourg et FINE Europe depuis 2005. En 2019 elle est élue présidente de FINE Europe et réélue en 2022. Elle a travaillé en étroite collaboration avec les membres des comités exécutif et consultatif pour accroitre les membres et mettre en œuvre le plan stratégique. Au cours de ses mandats, elle a travaillé à la modernisation de la directive EU/36/2005 sur la reconnaissance mutuelle des qualifications professionnelles. Elle a œuvré à la cartographie et à la révision des programmes de formation infirmiers en Europe. Elle a été invitée à plusieurs conférences internationales sur la réforme des soins infirmiers. Elle exerce un leadership politique pour le déploiement d’une formation infirmière de qualité et le développement d’un réseau de partenaire représentant la voix de la formation infirmière en Europe.

===============================================

Cécile Dury biography

Cécile Dury is a nurse with a Master's degree in Public Health from the Université Catholique de Louvain in French-speaking Belgium. She completed her doctoral studies at the European Academy of Nursing Science.

She has worked in intensive care units, medical-technical services and has accompanied students in clinical training in pneumology, orthopaedics, emergency and intensive care units. She became a teacher in 1997. She has held the posts of coordinator of the Intensive Care and Emergency Medical Aid specialisation, educational coordinator for the nursing and midwifery sections, and is currently Director of the health sector at the Haute-École de Namur-Liège-Luxembourg in Belgium. She also manages the centre for continuing education and health research. Her skills are focused on the development of training programmes, teacher education and supporting teams through change.

She is a member of various boards of organisations involved in healthcare projects, and has been involved in FINE Belgium-Luxembourg and FINE Europe since 2005. In 2019 she was elected President of FINE Europe and re-elected in 2022. She has worked closely with members of the Executive and Advisory Committees to increase membership and implement the strategic plan. During her mandate, she worked on the modernisation of Directive EU/36/2005 on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. She has worked on the mapping and revision of nursing education programmes in Europe. She has been invited to several international conferences on nursing reform. She provides political leadership for the deployment of quality nursing education and the development of a network of partners representing the voice of nursing education in Europe.

Cécile Dury

Directrice de la Catégorie Paramédicale

Henallux

+32 498 14 49 79

cecile.dury@henallux.be

Prof. Maria Cassar graduated as a nurse at the University of Malta in 1993.  She later completed masters and doctoral studies in nurse education at Kings College, University of London, and the University of the Aberdeen, Scotland respectively and a masters qualification in online education at University of Illinois, US. 

Along her 30-year professional career in nursing, she has practised as a clinician and nurse educator in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US.

Her main areas of professional interest are curriculum development/evaluation, the use of technology and simulation in teaching and learning, internationalization of higher education, nurse regulation and mobility including undocumented (qualified) refugee nurses. Maria has completed training at the IAIE and the Tuning Academy, Spain in this regard. 

She has participated in several transnational projects nurse education including the TUNING-MEDA project (nursing care), CALOHEE project (nursing care), ISPAD, DigiT and TOViD, SG4NS, EthCo and NNE projects. She is active in planetary health advocacy in health and social care contexts and has pioneered the Nurses Climate Champions initiative in Europe and is currently committed to the Born Green- Delivering Toxic-free Healthcare project. Both initiatives are led by the HCWH with whom she has enabled strong avenues for collaboration.

In 2019 she was elected to the executive committee of FINE and holds such role to-date. She was appointed on  Board of Directors of the Global Nursing Accreditation and Certification Council (GNACC) in 2024

She was the Chairperson of the management board of the Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital and Policy Co-ordinator of the Ministry of Health in Malta between 2009-2013. She is currently a full time resident academic at the Department of Nursing at the University of Malta. She has a good command of the English, Maltese and Italian languages, and basic proficiency in the French and Arabic language. 

The mission of FINE is to promote excellence in nursing education and excellence in across nurse educators’ participation in addressing the constantly evolving health needs of populations. My own professional aspirations are congruent with the mission of this organisation. This is the main reason why am submitting the application to sit on the Executive Board of FINE. Moreover, democracy, integrity, inclusiveness and openness to change, that is the core values of FINE, are indeed relevant to my own professional conduct and growth.

I am convinced that the success of health and social care systems largely depend on the nurse workforce and therefore, optimal structures and opportunities for the preparation of the nurse workforce are of central importance in any context and community. Along my professional career as a qualified nurse I have sought to engage in several initiatives and activities which are relevant to the development of efficient and effective opportunities for nurse education and nurse educators. I hope that my experience and qualifications in this regard lend themselves well to my constructive contribution to the mission of FINE.

Specifically, if elected to the Executive Board of FINE, I plan to work on (i) fostering a strategic emphasis in nurse education on the rapidly unfolding triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, (ii) strengthening nurse educator preparation and regulation structures and systems, and (iii) embracing change towards establishing equity and inclusiveness in nurse education in Europe and wider international contexts in view of the prevailing phenomena of globalisation and nurse migration.

Dear Officials,

I, Besarta Taganoviq, am writing this cover letter to express my interest in becoming a member of FINE, with the goal of contributing to the promotion of nursing education and influencing healthcare policies at the European level.

Nursing education and the protection of nursing as a scientific discipline is both challenging and intriguing for every medical science researcher. For this reason, the dedication of FINE, which aligns with the education and safeguarding of nursing as a scientific discipline, has inspired me. I see a strong alignment between your mission and my abilities to contribute to this scientific education.

With my experience as a dean and lecturer at Heimerer College in the field of nursing sciences, I am eager to support your efforts and share my experiences in developing and advancing professional training for educators, ensuring that educational programs meet the highest academic and professional standards.

In conclusion, I express my trust and readiness to support the mission and goals of the European Federation of Educators in Nursing Science (FINE). I am prepared to invest my time and energy to contribute to the work of FINE and to assist in addressing the current challenges in our policies and practices.

I am available to discuss my profile, qualifications, experience, and any other matters of mutual interest. Thank you for your time and consideration of this motivation letter.

Besarta Taganoviq

Dean of the Faculty of Health and Nursing Sciences

I, Besarta Taganoviq, am a dedicated healthcare professional and academic with a strong background in nursing and health sciences. I am currently pursuing Ph.D. in Nursing Care at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. I hold a Master of Science in Education in Health Care and a Bachelor of Midwifery, both from the University of Pristina, Kosovo.

Currently, I serve as the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Nursing Sciences at Heimerer College in Pristina, Kosovo. In this role, I lead academic programs, oversees strategic planning, and foster research and innovation. My responsibilities also include faculty recruitment, curriculum development, and the promotion of fundraising activities aligned with the college’s mission.

Throughout my career, I have participated in various international research trainings and workshops, including at the University of Edinburgh and Sechenov University in Moscow. My contributions to the academic community include active participation in international conferences and editing the Albanian translations of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) guidelines. My field of research is focused on topics such as digital innovation in healthcare, emotional and social intelligence, caesarean section, evidence-based practice, the impact of coping skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, etc…

Fluent in Albanian, English, and Serbian, I am highly skilled in communication, leadership, strategic planning, and conflict management. My dedication to healthcare education is evident through editorial work on International Council of Nurses (ICN) guidelines, translated into Albanian, and my contributions to healthcare research and education. I remain committed to advancing the field through leadership, teaching, and research efforts.

Infirmier diplômé d’Etat en juin 1985, j’ai exercé en service d’urgences puis j’ai été cadre de santé formateur dans un Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers à Paris.

Je suis titulaire du diplôme de cadre de santé et d’un Master 2 « Responsable de formation d’adultes ».

Après avoir encadré pendant 3 années des services de soins tant dans la fonction publique que dans le privé, j’ai rejoint en 2000 la Direction des Ressources Humaines du Groupe Hospitalier Saint Vincent à Strasbourg où je fus Responsable de la Formation Continue et du Recrutement et d’une équipe soignante de remplacement.

Depuis le 1er juin 2016, j’ai pris la direction de l’Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers Saint Vincent, rattaché à ce même établissement. J’ai par ailleurs été Vice-Président de l’Association Nationale des Infirmières et Infirmiers Diplômés et des Etudiants (ANFIIDE).

Je suis Président du Comité d’Entente Régional Alsace du CEFIEC et depuis 2021 Trésorier de FINE.

Je serai ravi de continuer à participer à ce titre aux missions du bureau exécutif de FINE.

Madame,

Je viens par la présente renouveler ma candidature au sein du bureau exécutif de FINE pour le prochain mandat.
Trésorier depuis fin 2021, je pense avoir apporté mes compétences au service de l’Association.

Je suis actuellement Directeur de l’Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers de Strasbourg, Président du CER Alsace CEFIEC.

J’espère que ma candidature saura retenir votre attention et je reste à votre disposition si besoin.

Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.