Intensive four-day training for nurses from smaller primary health care centers in Republika Srpska was held in Vitez. The training "Strengthening Nurses’ Managerial and Leadership Skills" focused on practical knowledge and skills essential for better team work and better outcomes for patients.

The training was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska and Fami Foundation, under the Strengthening Nursing in BiH Project, supported by the Government of Switzerland for over a decade.

During the four days participants covered the following topics in the form of lectures, guided discussions, and practical exercises:
• The impact of contemporary trends in healthcare on nursing and healthcare management
• Nurses communication in management and human resource management
• Communication techniques for resolving conflicts in healthcare institutions and with patients
• Nurse-patient-family communication (empathy and clear feedback)
• Effective communication techniques: active listening and asking the right questions
• Principles of communication via media (basics of public speaking and cooperation with the media)

Special emphasis was placed on interactive exercises that allowed participants to immediately apply new knowledge through simulations of real-life situations in working with patients and teams.

Developed nurses’ managerial and communication competencies:
• improve the quality and safety of nursing care,
• strengthen teamwork and decision-making,
• contribute to the professional development of nurse leaders.

Continuous investment in nurses’ education directly contributes to the strengthening of health care system and increased patient trust. That is precisely why we continuously support their professional development and work on strengthening nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.