Phlebotomist turned new graduate Registered Nurse at PA Hospital, Jezza Raaz is celebrating her 10-year anniversary and first day of a new job - on the same day. 

All-too familiar with the halls of PA, Jezza spent her first day running between induction training and the wards in readiness for her new role in Neuro on Ward 2C. 

Coming from a family where seven of her mother’s nine siblings are nurses, Jezza said her family warmly welcomed the idea of further training as a nurse.  

The idea of a career change came just as the pandemic unfurled. Undeterred and with the support of her family, Jezza leaped into her Master of Nursing, balancing study and hospital life as an essential worker. 

“I knew that I could study, but I needed to balance multiple priorities on top of the study, such as being a mum, working and having a life,” Jezza said. 

“I am thankful to have such a supportive network. Most of my family is in the Philippines, so my husband's side of the family really stepped up with support which meant I could complete the program in two years.”

A phlebotomist since 2012, Jezza has worked across all Metro South Health hospitals and even a stint north of the river. Though, it was at PAH where Jezza felt most at home.  

“I came here because of the opportunities and clinical training a hospital such as PAH could offer, but I stayed because of the people. The support from the staff and the community of people I have around me was the highlight of this experience.”

Jezza hopes that her story encourages others to consider retraining in a new field. 

“Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would become a nurse. It was hard and it took drive and a lot of planning, but I never considered that I couldn’t do it,” she said. 

“I hear people saying that they’re too old or that they can’t because they have children, but they can. Everyone has the ability to improve themselves.” 

You will find Jezza tending to neurology and neurosurgery patients in Ward 2C while she tackles her next challenge - learning to ride a bike and spend more quality time with her children.