HCA nurse Jana has been crowned Nurse/Midwife of the Year for our VIC region. We caught up with her over a classic Melbourne coffee to find out more about her. Read her interview below.

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“I’m both stunned and appreciative to whoever had such nice things to say about my nursing care.” – Jana | Critical Care Nurse

What made you become a nurse?

I have always loved medicine and medical related stories. When I was in University, I was initially on track to apply to Veterinary School but decided that I would prefer to work with people. Nursing called out to me because I knew that I wanted to travel and I loved that I could choose between many different areas of Nursing. Nursing allowed me to travel while still working as an ICU Nurse, and for that I am very grateful.

What is the most valued advice you have ever been given about nursing?

 I think the most valuable piece of advice that I could give to anyone in this profession is; be sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself. Nursing is a 24-hour job, be dedicated and meticulous, but remember that you are only human. Be kind to yourself and your co-workers, and on your days off, be sure to pamper yourself and unload the stresses of your work week.

How have you been filling your spare time during COVID?

I won’t lie, I have wasted so much of my time on Netflix and TikTok…I’ve not been the most productive, but it has been a great opportunity to sit still and recharge!

Now that you’re an Aussie, what is your favourite:

AFL team? My AFL team is the Richmond Tigers. I have been a strong Tiger supporter since 2014, which is a huge disappointment to my partner who is a Collingwood supporter. AFL season is pretty exciting in our house!

Food? I have to say my favourite Aussie food is a bit silly, but I love chips with chicken salt. Whoever invented chicken salt is a legend! I literally send chicken salt and Tim Tams to my family in the states.

Drink? My favourite drink depends on the activity, but I do like a good Negroni when I unwind.

Place to holiday? I love to travel so it’s hard to pick a favourite place to holiday. Every place has its own charm but in the last year, I have loved traveling throughout Asia, and my last trip to Japan was absolutely amazing. My favourite place to holiday in Australia so far has been Fraser Island in Queensland!

Aussie quote? My favourite Aussie quote: Tell him he’s dreaming… If you don’t know, you don’t know!

What are you currently:

Reading? Currently re-reading a book called An Imperfect Offering by Dr. James Orbinski. It’s a great book about previous MSF President, Dr. James Orbinski, and his experience working in the Rwandan genocide and Somali civil war. The book is his personal account of the challenges of medical humanitarianism.

Listening to? I just finished listening to a podcast series called Bad Batch. It’s a medical related series about a bad batch of stem cells that circulated in the United States and how a company came about selling this therapy to vulnerable patient populations.

Watching? Lastly, the series I’m currently watching and almost finished with is Schitt’s Creek. This show is hilarious, if you haven’t seen it yet…you’re welcome! 😉