I began my journey in healthcare by completing my foundational education at the School of Nursing (1993–1997), where I trained as a General Care Nurse. To further enhance my expertise, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Applied Health Sciences Zagreb (2000–2004). This program provided me with advanced knowledge in nursing practices and evidence-based healthcare. Recognizing the importance of leadership in nursing, I went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing management (2007–2010) at the same university. This period of study honed my organizational and managerial skills, preparing me for leadership roles within healthcare settings. Driven by a passion for public health and research, I embarked on doctoral studies at the University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty (2014–2021), culminating in a PhD in Biomedicine with a focus on Public Health. My research during this time was dedicated to burnout in nursing.
My career began with a nursing internship (1997–1998), followed by seven years as a bedside nurse in the Cardiac Surgery ICU (1998–2005), where I honed my clinical expertise and patient care skills. In 2005, I transitioned into a leadership role as the Head Nurse of Cardiac Surgery Anaesthesia and intensive care unit, a position I held for over a decade (2005–2016). During this time, I focused on enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing workflows, and mentoring staff. This position gave me opportunity to improve my leadership skills and to gain managerial skill.
Now I am acting president of Croatian Nurses Society of Anaesthesia, Reanimation, Intensive Care and Transfusion, president of Croatian National Nurses Federation, president of European Specialist Nurses Organizations. I am holding position of past president of World Federation of Critical Care Nurses, and president of Alumni of University of Applied Health Sciences and chair of Congress Planning Committee of International Federation of Nurse Anaesthetics. I have been established a national online journal Shock and was an inaugural Editor in Chief. I was also an editorial board member for several other journals and now Editor in Chief of Journal World of Health. I was a founder of Sustainable health Equity Movement and was a member of Steering committee. I was founding member of Alpha Alpha Gamma chapter Sigma Theta Tau International, and now member of Governance Committee.
As a Governance Committee member, with my colleagues I will help shaping the direction of Sigma, one of the world’s most respected nursing honour societies. At his position I will be able to collaborate with top nurse leaders from around the world. These connections will lead to mentorships, collaborations, and opportunities.
I am ready to dedicate my time, professional experience and knowledge to serve to Sigma and to collaborate with my colleagues around the world. I want to be part of the Governance Committee because I believe in nursing leadership that is ethical, future-oriented, and globally connected. I want my voice to contribute to shaping a profession I love, for the benefit of patients, nurses, and health systems worldwide.