Vratislava Koets 
Workplace: Department of Medical Nutrition
Born: 22/12/1980 in Motola
She studied: SZŠ and VZŠ 5. května, Prague 4, major diet nurse
Favorite Christmas cookies: vanilla rolls and homemade eggnog
The idea of an ideal holiday: Anywhere I can be with family and friends.
Favorite Christmas story: Three nuts for Cinderella and the Angel of the Lord
Working motto: Nothing is eaten as hot as it is cooked.
When did you decide to become a nurse and who or what gave you this idea?
Already in elementary school, I went to courses of the Czechoslovak Red Cross, held the position of class medic, at home I always liked to look at the book Domestic doctor. If necessary, I practiced nursing on our pets. 
Do you remember your first working day at FNM?
Unfortunately, I don't remember that anymore, but I do remember that at the beginning it was difficult to learn to communicate with both patients and nursing staff. I also remember the little map I carried with me so I wouldn't get lost.
You work in the Medical Nutrition Department. What brought you to this field and what do you enjoy about it?
It was rather a coincidence that brought me to the field. I originally wanted to study general nursing, but dietary nursing was a non-traditional field at the time that interested me. I enjoy variety in my work, I care for patients from infants to the elderly. I am also a certified lactation consultant.
Can you describe the work of a nutritional therapist at the clinic?
In the Western world, a nutritional therapist is present in every clinic, we work as counselors. Here at the Motol hospital, our work is increasingly in demand, but this is not quite common in all Czech hospitals. We most often encounter patients with anorexia, often polymorbid, in whom we seek ways to optimize energy intake. 
Furthermore, there are patients with tube feeding, for whom we can set the appropriate dose of nutrition to meet the given needs and at the same time prevent complications. In the pediatric section, we encounter rare metabolic disorders, complicated food allergies, specialized dietary procedures and eating disorders. Last but not least, we educate patients before discharge about common diets, for example, diabetic, gastrointestinal problems, reduction, etc.
What qualities and prerequisites do you think a person who decides to work in the healthcare sector should have?
Empathy, the ability to communicate and work in a team.
Can you remember something that most pleased or amused you at work recently?
I can be happy about little things. All I need is a good mood, good food, nice weather and nice and smiling people around me.
How do you relax, what do you think is the best rest?
Doing what I enjoy. I like to relax in nature, in the garden, on a walk with our female border terrier or with friends.
Do you have a guaranteed recipe for stress management?
Take three deep breaths and exhale.
Are you looking forward to Christmas, how do you manage the preparations and bake some "healthy cookies"?
When I had younger children, I looked forward to Christmas a little more than now, I take it more as a time of rest. I bake more classic sweets, but with the addition of wholemeal flour. I'm not a fan of "guaranteed extra healthy candy". This also has a great energy value and, moreover, almost no one likes it. It is better to bake the proven classics, but eat less and add movement.
Text: Vratislava Koets
Photo: Anežka Konrádová