"I especially liked the nurses' uniform," says Jana Smržová, station nurse at the Rehabilitation Centre

15. 11. 2017

All RN Beroun staff and hundreds, if not thousands, of patients know Jana Smržová. She has been working in the health care sector for 30 years, all the time in the Beroun hospital. She has been working as a station nurse since the establishment of the Jan Calta Rehabilitation Centre. Colleagues and patients know "Janička" as a very kind and empathetic woman who can talk to anyone about health problems. In the following interview, Mrs. Smržová talks about her motivation to become a nurse, evaluates the changes in RN Beroun and comments on the issue of the lack of medical staff.

Did you always want to be a nurse? What influenced you the most in choosing this profession?

I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. I especially liked the nurse's uniform. Later on, I discovered that I wanted to work with people and help the sick.

You've been working in the health sector for many years. What has changed in the last ten years in RN Beroun, especially in your department?

The whole hospital has changed in the last 10 years. The old, neglected premises are now a modern centre. Patients and colleagues have arrived. A Rehabilitation Centre has been established here, which enjoys an excellent reputation. All departments of the centre are of the highest standard, not only in terms of equipment but also in terms of patient care. I work in one of its departments. We have patients mainly after strokes - strokes and orthopaedic operations.

There is a lot of talk at the moment about the shortage of medical staff, especially nurses. What is the situation in your department or hospital? What do you consider to be the main problem of the frequent departure of medical staff?

As in the whole country, we are facing a shortage of qualified staff. I think that the nursing profession is demanding both physically and mentally. I try to pass on my knowledge and experience to my younger colleagues. The fundamental problem of qualified medical staff leaving is the demanding nature of the profession, shift work and, in some facilities, insufficient remuneration, not just financial. We try to create a friendly environment not only for patients but also for staff.

You are partly involved in the practical training of students of the Beroun medical school. In your opinion, what is the level of education of future health professionals?

The current education has a varied level. This is also true in the field of nursing. You can immediately see from the students who are interested in this profession. Recently, we have been cooperating with the teachers of the Beroun School of Nursing. Students have professional practice two days a week. Students of the third year in our department also do a continuous professional practice for one month. This is carried out under the direct supervision of the station nurses.

The medical profession is demanding not only physically but also mentally. Tell us, how do you relax?

There is not much time to relax. At home, I take care of a guinea pig and a rabbit. And I get my strength from walking the dog.

Gallery