Two-day training in palliative care for nurses from primary health care centers (PHCC) in Tuzla Canton and PHCC Domaljevac-Samac in Posavina Canton was held within Strengthening Nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina project. Twenty six nurses from nine PHCCs attended the training, further strengthening their capacities in provision of nursing care to patients with serious and incurable illnesses.

The lecturer was Assistant Professor, Dr. Sc. Mirza Oruc; the training focus was on the key role of the nurse in palliative care. Particular accent was placed on provision of comprehensive support to patients and their families, alleviating physical pain, strengthening emotional stability, as well as preserving the dignity of patients in the most sensitive stages of the illness. The theoretical and practical approach offered participants the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of palliative care with emphasis on a holistic approach to the patient.

Such additional training programs represent an important segment in nurses’ continuous professional development and contribute to improving the quality of community nursing care. Strengthening the health professionals’ knowledge and competencies reinforces the capacity of the health system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to ensure more accessible, high quality and more humane health care for patients and their families.