Gordana Danilovic is a nurse, holding university degree. She works at the "Dr. Jovan Raskovic“ Primary Health Care Center, Mrkonjic Grad. For 10 years now, she has been the Head Nurse at this facility. She started working at the age of 21. She chose this profession because she has always been oriented towards helping others and taking care of their health.
Limitations in the Institution where she works and what she would change... As in most health institutions, the main problem is insufficient number of doctors, inadequate standards and norms that limit the number of nurses, inadequate compensation for overtime, being on call, accompanying patients, which all together generates dissatisfaction. In order to change this, she believes that officially regulated systemic solutions are required to tackle these issues.
Position of nurses in Bosnia and Herzegovina... I find the nurses’ position in Bosnia and Herzegovina very difficult. Being a nurse is a profession that requires knowledge, patience, responsibility, endurance and love for people. This profession brings along a lot of stress and requires a lot of sacrifices. None of this is neither sufficiently valued nor appreciated in the society in which we live.
Importance of nurse - doctor and nurse – patient rapport... The nurse’s attitude towards the patients and the nurse – doctor teamwork are very important aspects in the provision of quality nursing care. Nurse's empathy, kindness and attention to the patient can be crucial in building trust and creating a safe and supportive environment for the patient.
Teamwork and good communication between the nurse and the doctor provide for smooth exchange of information, decision-making, coordination of care, which reduces the risk of errors and ensures the necessary care for the patient.
How to prevent healthcare providers’ outflow from Bosnia and Herzegovina... In order to motive the nurses to stay in the country working conditions should be improved, adequate salaries and benefits secured, nurses professional development should be strengthened by providing opportunities for continuous education and vocational trainings. Raising awareness on the importance of the role of nurses in health system can help promote the profession and improve their status in the society.
What are the most common problems nurses in Bosnia and Herzegovina encounter? Inadequate salaries, poor working conditions, inadequately defined education and job competences are the key problems nurses in Bosnia and Herzegovina deal with.
Importance of trainings organized by the Fami Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska... It is a great honor and pleasure to have been given the opportunity to attend the training organized by the Fami Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska. Thanks to experienced lecturers, in a very professional and enjoyable atmosphere, I gained new knowledge and skills, acquired a lot of practical guidance in the field of communication, which I have the opportunity to use in my daily work.
Fami Foundation's contribution to nursing profession... The Fami Foundation jointly with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska contributed greatly to strengthening nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I trust that this project highlighted how vital nurses are for the health system. The results of ten years of support are very visible. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were introduced in healthcare institutions, as well as the community nursing model which is very important for vulnerable and socially excluded categories of the population. Finally, our service users benefit from all these activities.
A message to future generations that chose this profession... Being a healthcare provider is not just a job, it is a way of life. It is a great pleasure to be part of a team that changes lives and supports patients in their most difficult moments.
