From her early days as a practical nurse to leading national nursing initiatives, Lucija Rojko has dedicated her career to advancing the nursing profession and improving healthcare systems. Lucija was appointed Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia in December 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in emergency care, health promotion, and policy development. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, the evolving role of oncology nursing, and her vision for the future of nursing. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring healthcare leaders and reflects on the progress—and challenges—of strengthening nursing’s impact on a global scale.
Can you share a bit about your path to becoming Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia?
My path has been shaped by a variety of roles and experiences that gradually built my knowledge in the field of nursing. I began as a practical nurse, working in nursing homes as a student, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in nursing, I gained invaluable experience in emergency care at the Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Later, I decided to focus on health promotion and health education programmes, where I discovered the profound impact nurses can have in primary health care and how influential they can be within local communities.
I pursued a Master’s in Nursing and am currently a PhD student at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration, specialising in Governance and Economics in the Public Sector. This academic path has allowed me to explore the intersection of healthcare policy and nursing practice, further enriching my perspective.
In 2024, I joined the Ministry of Health and immediately became involved in key projects related to nursing and the role of nurses. At the end of 2024, I took the role of Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia. My primary focus is to create positive working conditions for nurses across the country. My vision is to strengthen nursing’s contribution to healthcare by ensuring patient-centered care, improving accessibility and quality, and supporting nurses in delivering safe and effective care.
A pivotal element in my professional development has been my involvement with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). This opportunity provided me with valuable insights into the global burden of cancer on healthcare systems, the social welfare of populations, and national economies. It also deepened my understanding of the demanding nature of oncology nursing and the critical importance of supporting oncology nurses both professionally and psychologically.
I initially joined ISNCC while working at the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia, where I coordinated health education initiatives for adults. These efforts included coordination of Slovenia’s health promotion centres, which operate within community healthcare centres at the local level. These centres organise workshops on healthy living, including sessions and counselling on smoking cessation, reducing risky and harmful alcohol consumption, and encouraging participation in Slovenia’s national screening and early detection programme for colorectal cancer. They also run a wide array of health promotion and health education activities for all age groups within local communities. I saw the role of ISNNC as a great opportunity for networking with experts from all around the world and to learn new approaches for cancer prevention and early detection.
From your perspective, is oncology nursing practice and nursing in general different now compared to when you first started?
Particularly from the standpoint of prevention – namely cancer prevention and early detection – I believe there has been a significant shift towards strengthening health and empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices. This is an area where we, as a society, have made a progress. However, we are far from the end goal, and I do not believe that this is a journey that ever truly concludes. New challenges and emerging risks continually arise, which must be continuously addressed to maintain and improve health within our communities.
In general, one of the most notable differences in oncology nursing today is the increased emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the cancer burden is highest. ISNCC has played a significant role in addressing these global disparities by offering training programmes, resources, and leadership development opportunities for nurses in under-resourced regions. For example, ISNCC’s tobacco cessation workshops, cancer screening modules, and palliative care curriculums have substantially enhanced the capacity of nurses to drive meaningful improvements in care delivery and prevention worldwide.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would give myself three pieces of advice. I live by them now, but younger me didn’t, and I wish I had. It would have saved me a lot of time and energy.
First, do not fear standing up for what you believe in. Have the courage to fight for your values and the vision you hold for a better future. Never hesitate to share your ideas and dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem. Let go of any self-doubt that might hold you back, and trust in your ability to create meaningful change. Even the smallest steps can lead to something bigger, so take that first step.
Second, be patient and persistent.
Lastly, surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, and who share your vision.
Thinking about the future of our profession, what excites you the most or fills you with hope?
I believe that healthcare is at a crucial turning point. While the situation differs from one country to another, the role of nurses and their importance to the healthcare system is being recognised. Though the journey ahead is long, I am confident that we are on the right path to further empowering the nursing profession. Key steps towards progress include providing qualified mentors who support nurses at the start of their careers, preparing them for the challenges of the profession, and investing in those who take on leadership roles. By supporting and educating nurses, encouraging their professional development, and helping them feel secure and valued in their roles, we enable their growth and strengthen the entire healthcare system.
When I see improvements in these areas, I feel hopeful. It fills me with confidence for the future. After all, today we are healthy and active, but tomorrow, it may be us who will need skilled, professional, and compassionate healthcare staff—people who will advocate for us and support us through treatment—and much of this care will be provided by nurses.
