Anica Radmanović (1921–1996) stands as a foundational figure in the history of Croatian nursing, having dedicated her life to the service and welfare of children. As one of the first civilian nurses in the Karlovac region, her professional journey provides a unique lens into the development of pediatric healthcare and social protection in Croatia during the mid-20th century.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 12, 1921, in Glina to a farming family, Anica (née Zibar) completed her early education in her hometown before moving to Zagreb. In December 1941, she graduated from the School for Nurses in Zagreb (Škola za sestre pomoćnice) under the leadership of Zlata Bursić Kalanj. This rigorous training prepared her for a career defined by resilience and professional excellence.
A Career Defined by Service
Radmanović’s career spanned several critical institutions and geographical areas, often shaped by the administrative decrees of the post-war era:
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb: Her first role, starting in August 1942, included a challenging mission to Bosnia to combat outbreaks like typhus.
- Children’s Dispensary, Karlovac: Following the war, she was reassigned to Karlovac, where she became a co-organizer of the Milk Kitchen, a vital service providing hygienic nutrition for socially vulnerable infants.
- Children’s Day Care Center (Jaslice), Karlovac: In 1953, she was appointed Director of the nursery. Despite chronic funding shortages and aging infrastructure, she was a fierce advocate for improving conditions, successfully petitioning for better nutrition, heating, and laundry facilities for the children.
- Head Nurse Role: She eventually served as the Head Nurse of the Children’s Dispensary, a position she held until her retirement in 1977.
Contribution to Public Health and Education
Beyond clinical settings, Anica Radmanović was a pioneer in health education for mothers. She traveled via a UNICEF-donated Land Rover—or on foot through difficult terrain—to reach rural families. Her work focused on teaching modern hygiene, proper child care, and food preservation to combat the high infant mortality rates of the 1950s.
Legacy and Retirement
Throughout her career, Radmanović was recognized for being “conscientious, self-sacrificing, disciplined, and punctual”. Outside of nursing, she was an active member of Matica Hrvatska and a long-term blood donor. She passed away in Zagreb on February 17, 1996.
Related Information and Locations
- Primary Location of Service: Karlovac General Hospital (Opća bolnica Karlovac), Andrije Štampara 3, 47 000 Karlovac, Croatia.
- Educational Institution: Škola za medicinske sestre Mlinarska, Mlinarska 34, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.+1
- Inquiries/Correspondence: Snježana Mirilović (smirilovic@gmail.com) or Sanda Franković (sfrankovic@gmail.com)