SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Someone whose presence, actions and heart say more than long conversations. In our city, this person is not just part of the health system, he is its pulse. A Master of Nursing who not only does her job, but belongs to it. And, in doing so, she belongs to the people she helps. 

Her name consists of only six letters, but her presence transcends all boundaries. In her words and actions there is a power that heals, connects and builds community.  

Ilirska Bistrica is a small town, but it is home to a great woman - Master of Nursing Dijana Godec. She is highly respected in her team because she is not only a professional, but also belongs wholeheartedly to the institution she works in and the people she helps. Her work is not limited to outpatient treatment, as she is also active in the field, leading workshops, educating and networking.

I met her when I went for my vaccination. It stood out because it did not work mechanically. Her every movement was deliberate and her every look was reassuring. But her loyalty was even more evident in the healthy eating workshop she led, of which I was one of the participants. There, she lectures and lives her mission. I signed up for her workshop as a patient who does not feel like a number, but part of a community. She made me feel accepted, included and worthwhile. She treats me with respect. She does not judge my extra pounds, but treats them in a professional and accessible way. She listens attentively, she is able to reassure and guide me.

When I expressed my doubts about the choice of foods, she did not stop at theory. The next time, she brought me a packet of salmon to show me, a product from the local grocery store, with a clear nutritional overview. She told me which shop it was from and explained why it was suitable and how I could include it in my menu. It was not just information, it was proof that she cared. That she belongs to a group of people who do not just give advice, but live what they teach.

Her commitment is not only reflected in her work with adults. She was the face of vaccination in the local community during the epidemic of covida-19 and was featured on radio. Her calm approach helped people overcome fear and uncertainty. She also regularly gives talks in schools to raise children's awareness about healthy lifestyles and nutrition. Her presence among young people is sincere and encouraging. Children feel that she wishes them well. In the clinic and in the field, she acts as a link through her example, her knowledge and her heart.

Her work has not gone unnoticed. She has been featured on the health centre's website, where her professionalism, dedication and contribution to the health of the community are highlighted. She is a face that cannot be overlooked; not only because of her presence, but because of the values she lives.

When the workshop is over, I don't just leave with new information. I leave with the feeling of being part of something bigger. That I belong. And that it belongs to us; to patients, to colleagues, to the institution, to the city. Her belonging is silent but strong. It is a daily act that leaves an impression. 

Bernarda Jenko, 22 Oct 2025