Katarina Jerkovic, Novi Travnik

Second cycle of nursing studies at the Nursing Faculty in Mostar, unemployed

I like helping people, especially those in need. It makes me happy. That is the reason I chose this profession. After completing my
studies, I hope to get an internship and employment at the University Clinical Hospital in Mostar.

During my university studies, I learned a lot and expanded my knowledge. However, the pandemic prevented us from having practical training.

I believe that certain problems regarding internship should be resolved. Namely, sometimes one needs to wait for several months for the internship. Some students are exposed to high costs of living away from home. On the other hand, some hospitals do not provide financial compensation to interns. I think this could be resolved by abolishing the internship obligation, i.e. by increasing the practical training ratio during the studies to replace the internship.

Tuition fees are high while standard of living is low, which calls for a support to students. Had I not received the scholarship from
the Strengthening Nursing in BIH project, my parents would have had to finance my studies.