Ivan Savicic a healthcare professional currently pursuing a master's degree in Healthcare Management, has built a significant part of his professional career working at "Sveti Vracevi" Primary Health Care Center in Celinac, where he has also worked at the position of a head nurse for five years. His professional path included a combination of a work with patients, process organization, strengthening team cooperation and continuous need to improve the work system. This experience helped Ivan develop strong belief that the quality of healthcare is based on expertise, good communication, and clearly defined procedures.
The beginning of my career… My first work experience was the age of 19. I started working practically immediately after the high school and continued during my studies. I chose this profession because I was always liked working with people, the feeling of being a real support to someone in a difficult moment, and the fact that being a nurse is not a “secondary role”, but an important part of the healthcare system – someone who is with the patient, monitors the condition and keeps the process under
control. Ultimately, the quality of nursing care directly depends on our work: accuracy in following procedures, patient safety, timely detection of changes and the approach that makes the patient feel safe and respected.
Work experience… I have worked at the position of a Head Nurse at "Sveti Vracevi" Primary Health Care Center in Celinac for five years, as well as the coordinator of the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention of Diseases and Injuries. I am in charge of planning and implementing preventive activities, education and process improvement. In addition, my teaching experience at the Secondary School in Celinac additionally helps me share my knowledge clearly and in practice.
Summary of a working day… My day is a combination of work with patients and work organization. Before my duties start, I always arrive at work around 6:45am. In the morning, I first decide on priorities – what is urgent, what is important and what must be completed that day and then check on the team. I like to hear how my colleagues are, to see where the task overload is the highest and to possibly adjust the task distribution, because it is important to me that the team enters the day calm and organized. As a manager, I try to be present and motivate people so that the day goes smoothly. After that, I send a report about departments to the director and continue work according to priorities and responsibilities. When the system is good, mistakes are rare. We work on this every day together with the management of the Primary Health Care Center.
What was the most difficult for you when you started working as a nurse, and what is the easiest nowadays? At the beginning, it was demanding to deal with the severity of certain medical conditions and the pressure that such situations bring, while at the same time remaining calm and composed. I believe that, although we face a certain emotional burden, we must find the strength within ourselves to act professionally, accurately and calmly, because at that moment the patient needs security and adequate assistance. Today, the easiest for me is what comes with experience: I assess the situation quicker, set priorities, communicate clearly and organize procedures without unnecessary panic.
How do you deal with stressful and demanding situations at work? First, I soothe the situation and then separate facts from assumptions and go step by step – I think that is the key. In moments of crisis, it is important for me that the team has clear roles and that communication is short and precise. And I always try to make the patient feel safe, because the panic spreads fast.
How important is trust between nurse and patient and how is it built in everyday work? Trust is the foundation. Without trust, the patient does not cooperate, does not say everything and does not feel safe. It is built through small things such as correct attitude, patience, simple explanations and the most important is that the patient realizes that we are there for them, not just “pro forma". I do my best to keep focus on this and to improve myself in this sense.
Was there a situation at work that you remembered in particular? There are several such situations, but I especially remember those where a calm word and presence change the course of the patient's day and he rewards you with a sincere smile and gratitude. Sometimes the greatest help for the patient is to feel that someone sees him/her as a person, not as a number. This constantly reminds me of how professional and human our job is.
Shortcomings and suggestions for improvement… I would additionally work on making clearer procedures and better work distribution. I would also invest more in continuous education and tools that make work easier. When practices are standardized, everyone works easier and the patient receives better service. When I say "standardized practices", I mean at the state level. I believe that it is a time to work on additional professional improvement of nurses to become kinder and accessible. It is necessary to become better in our work, because patients deserve it.
What does a teamwork look like in a healthcare team and how important teamwork is in your job… Teamwork is a key – in healthcare no one can perform alone. Good collaboration means clear communication, respect for roles and support. In a team work, decisions are made faster, there are fewer mistakes and the patient feels it immediately. In practice, the best teams are those where people do not compete, but complement each other. All jobs in healthcare are equally important; we cannot do one
without the other and joint effort is what provides improved healthcare.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenge that nurses face today… The biggest challenges are work overload, inadequate staffing, increasing patient expectations and often inadequate systematic assessment of our work. There are also communication challenges – people are stressed, information is everywhere, and we have to remain accurate, calm and empathetic.
What motivates you in this job despite the challenges… That it has a purpose. When you see that you helped someone, eased their fear or expedited medical assistance for them - that is priceless. And honestly, I like to be part of a system that can be improved. I am an orderly person. I am dedicated, with a huge desire that we jointly work to improve things.
How important is the training that is jointly organized by Fami Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska to you… The training is very important in my opinion because it combines practical work and up-to-date knowledge. It covers the topics that are really needed in the field: communication, work organization, the role of nursing, quality and standards. It is especially important that it helps strengthen nurses’ confidence and competencies and provides the tools to
be even better in our everyday work.
What helps you “reset” after a bad day at work… I support all young people who want to go for health profession. Although there are a lot of responsibilities and challenges, I have never regretted my choice. I believe that not everyone can do this job, it is a vocation, but whoever has the slightest interest, go ahead! The most important thing is to be persistent and not give up after the first obstacle.
If you could change one thing in the system, what would it be… I would introduce a clearer system that values more the work of health professionals through standardization, employment and clear career paths. When people have support, clear roles and a realistic workload, quality automatically improves.
What is your message to young people who consider nursing career… This is a profession for people who have heart, discipline and character. It is not easy, but it is honest and meaningful. If you enter with the intention of learning, working hard and respecting the patient, you will be required everywhere and always. And one more thing: in this profession, you develop in both way as an expert and as a person, and that is priceless.
