Purpose: The purpose of the study was to generate a clear understanding of the healthcare system in Bishkek with a focus on nursing education and practice. The population under study was nursing students and health professionals. Method: Data was collected within the framework of the Universalia Guidelines, using a range of methods, including a literature review, interviews with nurses and physicians, and observing nurses working at a hospital, and two institutions providing nursing education, the Medical College and the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy in Bishkek. Findings: Most nurses have a three-year diploma in nursing. However, nursing education is insufficient, lacks clinical training and is managed primarily by physicians. There are few opportunities for continuing education and one advanced five-year nursing degree program, which does not add much value to the three-year diploma. Qualified, nurses face additional challenges, including a lack of medical equipment, exclusion from planning and documentation of patient care and low salaries. Conclusion: Clinical practice of nursing students should be strengthened through the provision of direct supervision by nursing faculty with clinical expertise. Nursing education curricula should be reviewed by nursing experts to better prepare students for nursing practice. Sufficient clinical equipment should be provided to teaching facilities and hospitals; The salary scale of nurses should be improved; Nurses with the advanced five-year degree in nursing education and with clinical experience could be prepared for the role of nurse educator; and the Ministry of Health and college/university administrators should provide the political will necessary to support nurses and nurse educators. Clinical Relevance: The findings will guide long-term planning and inform leaders, administrators and educators at nursing schools, and policy makers. It will improve planning and implementation of nursing education and practices and will ultimately improve the health care.