14 years ago, Ana Anaya walked into Mercy Place Wyndham looking for a volunteer opportunity to support her nursing studies. Now a core member of the Mercy Place team, Ana is about to embark on the next step in her career journey: studying to transition from an Enrolled to Registered Nurse. 

'Mercy Place Wyndham is my second home; this is my happy place. I walked in as a volunteer and my manager at the time encouraged me to apply once I completed my studies. The rest is history.’ 

Working with older patients, Ana delivers care that goes beyond medical support by making authentic connections with Mercy Place Wyndham residents.

‘Nursing is about being compassionate and having a love for what is around you. It makes me happy every day. My mum, brother and sister are nurses – it runs in the family.' 

Ana recently received the Mercy Health Nursing Scholarship to support her studies, sponsored by Bank First.

For Ana, this step is about more than career progression. 'When I first moved to Australia from the Philippines, I wanted to become a Registered Nurse, but the cost and time involved was a challenge, especially as my daughter was just a baby at the time.’ 

Now, Ana’s husband and children are encouraging her to achieve this long-held goal. 'I doubted myself; am I too old to continue this dream? My husband told me, your kids are older and now it’s time for you to shine. My kids told me that I can do it, which is why I’m here.’ 

'When I got the scholarship, the first thing I thought was that I have to make them proud.’ 

Ana will soon begin her placement at a hospital in Regional South Australia.

'With the cost of accommodation and food, it’s hard. You still have to be a mum too – during the two-month placement there are things that I need to be home for, so the airfares add up. This scholarship is a blessing.' 

At Bank First, we’re proud to recognise dedication of nurses like Ana and lend a helping hand in bringing their dreams to life. 

‘What inspired me to transition to Registered Nurse is so I can give even more to my patients. Every time my patients smile, it gives me 200% more energy.’ 

Who champions nurses and allied health professionals? Bank First, that’s who.