Proud to be a nurse

Slavojka Devic from Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina is 57 years old, married and has two sons and two grandchildren.

What do you do when you don’t work? Do you have special hobbies?
I usually spend time in my home and garden. I grow vegetables and flowers. My other hobbies are also embroidery and knitting. But I enjoy my free time most when I can spend it playing with my grandchildren.
An ordinary day starts very early and ends late. When I come home from work, I have a lot of responsibilities in the household and then I like to take a walk. We spend the evenings together as a family.

Since when are you working as a nurse? And how long are you a nurse at NephroCare?
I have been working as a nurse since 1982. I lived and worked in Slovenia until 1992. Then I came to Banja Luka and got a job as a nephrology nurse. We have been at NephroCare since 2011.

When did you know that you wanted to become a nurse? 
I always loved helping everyone in my environment. When I finished elementary school I already knew that I wanted to be a nurse. 

What was your motivation to become a renal nurse?
At the time when I came to Banja Luka, there was a reorganization of the department, where I was working, and quite by accident I was transferred to the dialysis department. I knew right away that this was the right job for me and I am happy about it.

What is the most important quality a renal nurse should have?
First of all, patience, team spirit, reliability, cooperation with colleagues and patients; and dexterity skills are also important.

How would you describe your relationship with your patients? 
I am a calm person and that is probably why I have a very good relationship with patients. It is all about mutual respect.

Is there something you wish more patients knew or would pay more attention to?
I think patients should take care of their health, fluid intake and physical activity on a daily basis.

How would you describe the atmosphere with your colleagues? 
Our team functions as a whole with respect and solidarity. Above all, we have friendly relationships

How does a day in the clinic look like for you as a team?
Our day begins before patients arrive at the center. Together we prepare everything that is needed. It is time to share our experiences from the previous day. Then we connect the first shift of patients, We work together and go through thick and thin together at work and in private life.