We at The Australian Filipina share the joy of the international student couple, Rizza and Cesar Janea, who have recently opened their small business. We are happy to have extended help in promoting their home baked muffin which gained much support from the community. At the opening event, I met close friends and relatives of Rizza and Cesar Janea. One of them is Marie Janea, the wife of Cesar's cousin.
During our conversation, I found out that Marie is a frontliner, ie a Nurse at Canberra Hospital. Anyone who met Marie was surprised to hear that this diminutive (fondly) and looking much younger than her age of 40 years, that she is mother of three and has many years of being a nurse.
We are glad to share Marie's responses to a few questions we asked her, to gain a perspective of what it is like to be a frontliner with three young children.
What was the process and steps you had to take to become a registered nurse in Australia.
From the Philippines, at the age of 23 years I went to Ireland when UK and Ireland opened their borders to international nurses. Following my parents being diagnosed with serious health issues, I then moved here in Australia year 2009 to be closer to the Philippines for visiting them.
The Nursing Agency applied me here at The Canberra Hospital; although I signed up for nursing registrations from different states (Qld, NSW, ACT and Victoria) after I passed my English Language tests
What would you consider fondly to be your achievements in life and your profession?
I consider achievement in life is to have three children. I got 2 girls and 1 boy, ages 14, 12 and 8.
My achievement in my profession is how I carry out my 8 hour shift each day as a Nurse looking after my patients under my care.
On the flip side, what challenges have you faced and overcome?
My challenges include sorting out simple to complex issues on a day to day basis as a Nurse.
If there is anything you can change of what you did in the past, what would they be?
Since I learnt something from my previous Nursing experience which I valued most, maybe, our 8 hour shift which is quite long and tiring as Nurse. This can be reduced to 6 hour shift is a thought; and this I would like to change if I could.
What would you advise those who are having difficulties settling in their temporary home?
You need patience, determination and have a goal- set in everything you do. We should all be driven so to be resilient in all challenges that come our way.
In your view, how is the government handling the COVID 19 situation?
The Government is doing everything they can for the community to be well- informed regarding the current pandemic COVID-19 situation.
In ACT where I am, I can say we are doing well on how to stop the spread. The government has conveyed the message of the much needed information available with regard to good handwashing technique, cough etiquette, isolate whenever necessary if they are feeling unwell and to get tested for COVID.
Is there anything you want to suggest be put in place that is not happening where you are?
We just need to check COVID safe checklist and online information as things change frequently and rapidly.
How is the Fil-Aus community coping with the challenges and restrictions where you are living and working?
The community organisation where I belong, conducts zoom meetings to get in- touch with its members from the start of the pandemic. We believe on looking after our mental health well- being and knowing we are all coping and get support if required.
How do you define success/tagumpay?
Tagumpay for me as Nurse po, is not being affected with COVID-19. Na takot din po akokasifrontlinernga, hindimoalamsinong ma a- admit saaming ward. Yung ward po naminnaginawatalagangcovid unit, we prepared all personal protective equipment, like gown, N95 mask and face shield, taposyung room nagagamitnatinatawagna Negative Pressure room ni ready.
Sa mgana swab po naming mgapatiente, waiting for results, talagang extra ingat din po kami lahat ng staff kasi we have to complete the 8 hour shift. Kaya we take turns on who looks after those patients under investigation.
ABOUT MARIE JANEA
Marie Janea (nee Derama) was originally from Davao City Philippines. She is the eldest of the siblings, with one brother and one sister. She graduated from San Pedro College of Davao City. She became a Registered Nurse and worked in Davao Medical Centre.
Marie is married to Sarmil Lozada Janea. They are blessed with three children - Tiffany- 14, Kimberly-12 and Daniel- 8 years old.