Twenty three nurses from all primary health care centers in Una-Sana Canton successfully completed theoretical part of additional training in community nursing. The program represents an important segment of continuous investment in the development of nursing practice and quality improvement of services provided at the primary health care level.

During six weeks of training and more than 100 hours of interactive sessions such as lectures, discussions and practical simulations, participants were building up on their skills in key areas for community nursing. The program included improving skills in health promotion, disease prevention, population needs assessment, effective communication and team coordination within and outside the health system. Special emphasis was placed on peer groups as a model of continuous professional support and exchange of experiences.

Upon completion of the theoretical part, participants will continue with practical training, which will be conducted with the support of eight qualified mentors from the Educational Center of the Primary Health Care Center Bihac. This part includes home visits, field work and promotional and preventive activities in local communities where nurses work on daily basis. These activities will help participants further strengthen their competencies and also contribute to increasing the quality and accessibility of nursing care to population of Una-Sana Canton.

The training is implemented with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in partnership with the Primary Health Care Center Bihac, as part of a broader effort to improve community nursing in a sustainable and systematic manner.