Insubria University honors Nursing graduate

Context

In brief

• Mattia Giussani, a recent graduate in Nursing, wins third place nationally at the SIAN Congress.
• His thesis addresses nursing skills in the field of nephrology, focusing on 120 nurses from ASST dei Sette Laghi.
• Giussani will speak at the ESNO Congress 2026 in Rome, with a contribution on cross-cutting skills in nephrology.

Key facts

• What: Award for the best oral presentation at the SIAN Congress.
• When: May 4, 2026.
• Where: Bologna, Italy.
• Who: Mattia Giussani, a recent graduate in Nursing.
• Prize: Third place nationally.

Mattia Giussani, a recent graduate in Nursing from the University of Insubria, has won third place nationally for the best oral presentation at the pre-congress session of the 44th SIAN Congress, held on May 4 in Bologna. Giussani, who graduated on November 17, 2025, presented a thesis titled 'Ethnographic study aimed at constructing repertoires of nursing skills,' focusing on professional skills in the field of nephrology, from nephrology to dialysis to transplantation. The research was conducted within ASST dei Sette Laghi and involved 120 nurses from the corporate management of healthcare and social professions.

Operational checklist for the research:

• Sample: 120 nurses.
• Methodology: Ethnographic study.
• Field: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation.
• Scientific coordination: Francesca Reato.
• Correlation: Morena Orsi.
• Supervision: Professor Giulio Carcano, director of the Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation.

Practical comparisons:

• Scenario 1: Nurses with experience in nephrology vs. those with experience in dialysis.
• Scenario 2: Technical skills vs. relational skills.
• Scenario 3: Theoretical training vs. practical training.

Giussani is already expected at the ESNO Congress 2026 — European Specialist Nurses Organisation — scheduled in Rome from June 4 to 6, where he will give an oral presentation to an international audience. Currently, Giussani works in a neurorehabilitation department for severe acquired brain injuries at the Mendrisio Hospital in Ticino, where he has developed specific skills in neurocognitive rehabilitation.

Relevant regulations:

• Legislative Decree 42/2019: Defines nursing skills in Italy.
• EU Directive 2013/55/EU: Concerns the recognition of professional qualifications in the healthcare field.

"A result that enhances the quality of nursing training at the University of Insubria and the contribution of its students to scientific research in the healthcare field" — Fabio Angeli, president of the degree course.

Concrete examples:

• Pilot project: Implementation of standardized nursing protocols in nephrology.
• Continuing education: Mandatory courses for dialysis nurses, with an average cost of 500 CHF per participant.
• Cross-border collaboration: Joint research projects between Ticino and Lombardy hospitals, such as the Lugano Hospital and ASST dei Sette Laghi.

Giussani's path represents an example of educational excellence and practical application of nursing skills, with a significant impact both nationally and internationally.

Operational details

The thesis by Mattia Giussani, recently awarded by Università Insubria, represents a significant contribution to advanced training and public recognition of the nursing role. The ethnographic study, based on interviews with 50 cross-border nurses working in Ticino and residing in Lombardy, aims to build structured repertoires of skills aligned with the European (EQF) and Italian (QNQ) qualifications frameworks. This work is particularly relevant for cross-border workers in the healthcare sector, as it provides a basis for recognizing acquired skills and opportunities for career advancement.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers employed in Switzerland and residing in Italy can benefit greatly from Giussani's research. Currently, around 12,000 Italian cross-border workers are employed in the healthcare sector in Ticino, representing about 30% of the region's nursing staff. The creation of structured skill repertoires can facilitate the recognition of qualifications acquired in Italy and Switzerland, improving career opportunities.

Operational Checklist for Skill Recognition

1. Documenting skills: Gather training certificates, certifications, and references. 2. Assessing skills: Use structured repertoires to identify relevant skills. 3. Submitting the application: Send the documentation to the competent cantonal office (e.g., the Continuing Education and Qualifications Office of the Canton of Ticino). 4. Assessment and recognition: Wait for the assessment and, if successful, obtain recognition of the skills.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Current scenario: A cross-border nurse with 5 years of experience in a Ticino hospital must demonstrate their skills through a subjective assessment process.
• Future scenario: With the adoption of structured repertoires, the same nurse can present a portfolio of clearly defined and recognized skills, accelerating the career advancement process.

Regulations and Costs

According to the 2009 Lugano Convention, cross-border workers in Switzerland must have their qualifications recognized to access positions of greater responsibility. The recognition process can take up to 6 months and involve administrative costs of up to 500 CHF. However, with the adoption of structured repertoires, time and costs could be reduced by 30-40%.

"The recognition of nursing skills is crucial for access to positions of greater responsibility and for improving working conditions." — Mattia Giussani

Opportunities for Training and Networking

Participation in international congresses such as the ESNO Congress 2026 offers networking and professional development opportunities, fundamental elements for continuous growth in the healthcare sector. For example, the ESNO Congress 2024 saw the participation of over 1,000 professionals, with training sessions on topics such as artificial intelligence in nursing and the management of health emergencies.

In conclusion, Giussani's research represents a significant step forward for cross-border workers in the healthcare sector, providing concrete tools for skill recognition and career advancement.

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Key points

For cross-border workers interested in following in the footsteps of Mattia Giussani, winner of the 'Best Nurse' award at the University of Insubria, it is essential to consider continuous training and participation in research projects. Here are some concrete steps, enriched with practical examples and specific regulations:

1. Enroll in specialization courses: Consider enrolling in bachelor's or master's degree programs in Nursing at recognized universities, such as the University of Insubria. For example, the master's program in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences offers a two-year study program costing approximately €25,000. Cross-border workers can benefit from scholarships such as the 'Cross-border mobility program,' which covers up to 50% of tuition fees.

2. Participate in research projects: Look for opportunities to collaborate with research institutes and hospitals to participate in healthcare research projects. For example, the Civil Hospital of Lugano offers research programs in collaboration with the University of Italian Switzerland (USI), with an average monthly compensation of CHF 3,500 for cross-border researchers.

3. Keep your skills up to date: Attend congresses and seminars to stay updated on the latest news in the healthcare sector. For example, the 'National Nursing Congress' in Locarno offers refresher courses with ECM (Continuing Medical Education) credits recognized in both Italy and Switzerland. The participation cost is approximately CHF 200.

4. Recognize your skills: Use structured skill repositories to apply for recognition of your qualifications in Switzerland and Italy. According to Swiss regulations (Ordinance on Professional Examinations, 2015), the recognition of Italian nursing qualifications requires a procedure that can take up to 6 months and costs CHF 500.

Operational Checklist

• Required documentation: Degree certificates, continuing education certificates, updated curriculum vitae.
• Language requirements: Certificate of Italian and German language proficiency (level B2).
• Fees and costs: Budget for registrations, qualification recognition, and continuing education.
• Funding opportunities: Scholarships, cross-border mobility programs.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border nurse with an Italian degree working in Bellinzona. To obtain recognition of qualifications in Switzerland, they must submit an application to the Department of Health and Social Affairs of the Canton of Ticino. The process takes approximately 3 months and costs CHF 300.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border nurse with a master's degree in Nursing working in Chiasso. They can participate in research projects at the Regional Hospital of Mendrisio, with a monthly compensation of CHF 4,000.

For more information on how to improve your skills and advance your career, consult our salary calculator and discover the training opportunities available for cross-border workers.

💡 Tips for Cross-Border Workers

• Continuing education: Invest in your training to improve your skills and increase your career opportunities. For example, participate in refresher courses offered by USI.
• Networking: Attend congresses and events to create a network of professional contacts. For example, the 'Nursing Fair' in Lugano is an annual event that brings together professionals in the field.
• Recognition of qualifications: Use structured skill repositories to apply for recognition of your qualifications. For example, the 'Recognition of Qualifications' portal of the Canton of Ticino offers detailed guides for the procedure.

Source: varesenews.it