75 Stethoscopes for Nurses: Supporting the Expanded Role in Action

In May, the Ukrainian-Swiss project Medical Education Development delivered 75 stethoscopes to nurses from 15 primary healthcare facilities participating in the pilot project Advanced Nurse Practitioner. One stethoscope was sent to the frontline — it will be received by a nurse currently serving in the military.

A stethoscope in a nurse’s hands is more than just a tool — it’s a symbol of their vital role in the primary care team. Nurses have undergone extensive training, conduct independent consultations, master new skills, and take on more and more responsibilities. We captured the moment of handing over the stethoscopes on video — the faces of the nurses speak for themselves. This video is about joy, dignity, and the feeling of meaningful support.

The pilot project, launched in 2021, aims to improve access to healthcare services and the efficient use of health system resources. One of its key components is dividing consultations between family doctors and family nurses, enabling each professional to fully apply their competencies. You can learn more about all 15 pilot facilities, their teams, and their approaches to implementing changes in issue 16 of our Bulletin, titled Patient-Centeredness. By supporting nurses’ autonomy, together we are building a stronger healthcare system — accessible, efficient, and humane.