Carmen Pegenaute, a nurse from the psychiatric hospitalization unit of the Hospital de Navarra, has participated in the second edition of training course in Nursing to achieve a "Sustainable Family Caregiver". This program is part of an innovative project of research of the School of Nursing of the University of Navarra that is aimed at train to professionals in the sector to work with family caregivers of dependent persons. The training is based on the model of evaluation and Family Intervention of Calgary (model Canadian pioneer in family care). This model allows to identify the strengths and needs of each family and to determine which intervention is the most appropriate according to their particular circumstances. At the end of this second edition of the course, Carmen Pegenaute shares her experience with us:

What did you think of the course?
I thought it was very good. It has made me want to learn more about this topic because it fascinates me.

What did it consist of?
The course was divided into a theoretical part and another internship. It was one of the most interactive courses I know. In the sessions, the teachers created a very good communication environment. They encouraged participation and aroused the attention and curiosity of all participants. The part internship, both through groups and film videos and, finally, role-playing, completed and reinforced what was learned.

Has it helped you to learn new ways of working with family caregivers of dependent persons?
Yes, the course has allowed me to learn new ways of working with the family. The work with the patient cannot be separated from his family and their influence. The more we know, the better we can understand all the processes that affect the patient and his environment. It is not just about the patient, but about the family as a whole. It is also important to take into account the patient's strengths, to know them and to help him find solutions, to let him make decisions. In nursing we do not have the magic wand to solve all problems, but we do have the ability to be with the patient, to listen to him and make him see the easiest options. It is also important to praise the patient and the family; it is something that is not usually done and yet it can be more therapeutic than many treatments. I keep all of this in mind every time I am with a patient and family member.

What would you highlight from the experience?
Everything: the good preparation of academic staff, his passion for topic and his ability to transmit it to make us want to learn more about topic.

Would you recommend it?
I have already recommended the course to all the nurses in my unit so that we can work with the same Philosophy and the same spirit. In general, I also encourage all nurses to take it. It seems to me that it can be a mandatory subject in nursing and not a elective subject.