Zana Tomovic is the Head Nurse of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Nevesinje Hospital. She obtained her degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Medicine in Nis, Serbia. Soon after she graduated she got, as she says, the best job in the world. She quotes a beautiful saying: "To be at the source of life is the privilege of the gods and the few". And she confirms that it is really so, because witnessing a birth of a new life is the most beautiful thing that a nurse or midwife can experience.

How would you describe your profession in three words... Satisfaction, responsibility and determination.

About the health system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the institution she works at... I believe that healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region is currently facing a number of challenges. These challenges are not foreign to our institution either, but we are privileged that, unlike many other institutions, we have excellent working conditions. As a disadvantage, I would single out the deficit of medical workforce.

Nurses position in Bosnia and Herzegovina... In the healthcare system, nurses are often in an undesirable position. However, let me remind you that we are the most numerous group and the pillar of every healthcare institution. On one hand, we must fulfill all the obligations of our humane vocation and provide the highest quality service possible, and on the other hand, we must meet the demands of the organization itself, to work overtime, often in bad conditions. Unfortunately, I still hear that nurses do not need an academic education, because they are observed just as the implementers of less important tasks.

Nurse - patient and nurse – doctor rapport... The nurse-patient rapport is a very important topic, as well as a big responsibility. From the moment they enter a healthcare facility, every patient should feel safe and receive adequate medical and nursing care. That's why we have to work a lot on ethical issues, to embrace empathy and of course to perform all medical procedures in accordance with the existing principles. As a Head Nurse, I work a lot on that relationship jointly with the entire team. As a result, we get a lot of compliments and an increasing number of patients. When it comes to communication between a nurse and a doctor, I believe that the most important thing is that the relationship is based on mutual respect and professionalism.

How to prevent healthcare providers’ outflow from Bosnia and Herzegovina... In order to stop this negative trend, I think it is necessary to improve working conditions in every aspect. Also, hiring more staff is essential in order to reduce pressure on the existing ones. In addition to all mentioned, I believe that it is very important to raise wages.

Training for nurses, the role of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska and Fami Foundation... 
Without knowledge, learning and training, there would be no professional nurse either. Nurses are the driver of the health system, and therefore I believe that they must strengthen their value and importance, and therefore every training is welcome. Fami Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, provided an extremely high-quality and comprehensive training. Multiday training on managerial and leadership skills, followed by extremely
important practical training in communication, especially in strengthening the collaboration among nurses is, in my opinion, what is lacking in order to make them stronger and more productive.

An experience from work that will always be remembered... Given that at the department where I work beautiful things happen every day - we welcome babies to this world, it is difficult to single out just one. However, the most touching moments are certainly when mothers, after a long-term struggle to conceive, finally hear the cry of their baby.

A message to future generations that choose this profession... NURSING VOCATION MUST BE LOVED. The decision to choose this profession is not made to secure a better salary in Germany. I am not condemning young people who do this, but I am appealing to the authorities to improve working conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.