The aim of this work was to define the concepts of nursing and nursing care and to analyze the differences in the standard of nursing care in the Republic of Croatia and other countries of the European Union. The definition of nursing as well as the profession itself have evolved throughout history from the 16th century to the present day. There are many definitions, but above all, a nurse is an independent health professional who helps both the healthy and the sick (2).The most prominent people in nursing throughout history are Florence Nightingale who said: "Ensuring the best possible conditions, so that the natural healing forces can act on the patient", and Virginia Henderson, who says: “The unique role of the nurse is to help an individual, sick or healthy, perform those activities that contribute to health or recovery (or peaceful death), which the individual would perform independently if he or she had the necessary strength, will or knowledge." There are significant differences in nursing among EU member states. Switzerland boasts the best number of nurses per 1000 inhabitants(18), as well as the best ratio of nurses and doctors (4.3). Only 15% of nurses in Switzerland complain of emotional exhaustion. Despite the enviable differences, there is a fairly high rate of nurses in tending to leave the job (28%) or profession (24%). It is the most difficult for nurses in Greece, where there are only 3.2 nurses per 1,000 inhabitants and the ratio to doctors is 1.5. From the countries covered in this paperwork, it can be seen that in Croatia the lowest health expenditures per capita are 1241 euros, while in Switzerland is the highest, 6978.26 euros per capita (15). Being a nurse is not only a profession but also a vocation. Therefore, it is extremely important to raise the levels of nurses in all countries, provide them with opportunities for better education and career advancement, and provide them with better working conditions that will reduce levels of emotional exhaustion and stress.