‘Surgical nurse is a key member of the surgical team. I have been trained to assist in several branches of surgery medicine. The scope of the work of a surgical nurse has been ever-increasing with the rapid development of medicine and new technologies. The tasks and the responsibilities of a surgical nurse are to prepare surgical instruments, maintain aseptic and sterile working conditions, take care of the patient’s safety in the operating theatre, and continually estimate the status of the patient.

Through its careful selection of courses, this study programme enables you to acquire very useful knowledge, such as applied knowledge in medicine, sociology, psychology, communication skills, specific nursing care practices, etc. Teachers are accessible, work is organised in smaller groups who are coached by their mentors. Mentors can easily appreciate the efforts each student is making, and this is why they are easily available and ready to help whenever you need it. Classes take place in the Dubrovnik General Hospital’s Education Centre. I think that this is excellent because it made my participation in all classes so much easier, and participation is a thing that all teachers really do appreciate.

After having finished my secondary education with a medical profile, I found myself amidst the war in Croatia. I had applied for an internship at the Dubrovnik General Hospital, and I was immediately assigned to work in an operating theatre. There I was the youngest participant in the Croatian War of Independence. When the study programme of Nursing was first introduced in Dubrovnik, I started seriously thinking about studying to be able to further develop my professional skills and knowledge. Considering my education and my experience, I now participate in the teaching of the course Clinical Practice as an expert associate.

I believe that organisation is of vital importance. It is a skill that we are being taught during our study, i.e. how to manage and organise ourselves as well as other people. Once you realise what your priorities are, life becomes simpler. No matter how you may feel on a particular day, you need to get up, go to your classes, never give up and strive to improve yourselves!’

Stana Tolić, Graduate Nurse

Surgical nurse