Training and Professional Practice of Nurses in Soviet Estonia in Light of Their Ideological Context

Abstract

Background data. In 1940–1941 and 1945–1991 Estonian territory was occupied by Soviet Russia. The “new period of awakening” was initiated under Gorbachev’s perestroika and glasnost (1985–1991), leading to democratization. Aim. This qualitative study aimed to analyze the training and professional activity of nurses in Soviet Estonia against the background of ideology. Method. The research was conducted in 2021 and 2023. The authors surveyed senior nurses who worked during the Soviet era for at least 20 years. There were written and oral thematic interviews, as well as a focus group interview were conducted. A thematic content analysis was carried out. Results. During the Soviet era the training of nurses occured within vocational training institutions. The curricula underwent a shift towards a Soviet-oriented approach. A significant portion of lessons were dedicated to imparting knowledge on the principles and tenets of Communist-Marxist ideology. Therefore, practical subjects were frequently allocated limited space. In the Soviet Union politics and healthcare were tightly linked. The nurses were required to attend party meetings, which were often conducted in Russian, and it was mandatory to commemorate Soviet anniversaries. The activities of the nurses were monitored, and nurses were strictly required to fulfill their duties and orders without exercising personal initiative. In the Soviet period all nurses were members of trade unions and the Estonian SSR Society of Medical Nurses (ESN).