Resthaven Graduate Nursing Program – Anastasia Cafcakis

‘Nursing is a privilege’ says graduate, Ana

Resthaven Graduate Nurse Program participant, Anastasia (Ana) Cafcakis, can pinpoint the exact moment when she realised what a privilege it is to be a nurse.

‘I was looking after my first resident who was in their last days of palliative care,’ says Ana.

‘It was late in the week and I was tired.’

‘This lady didn’t have any visitors in her last days. As I was administering the medication, I thought to myself; this lady has lived a whole life. She’s so much more than the tiny lady who couldn’t walk, talk, eat or get dressed without assistance. She loved her family and friends, raised children, went on holidays, worked, had stories to tell, cried, and so much more.’

‘Now she was lying in bed, a day away from passing away, with only a young nurse in the room.’

‘I’ve always loved nursing and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do, but it was that day, in that room, that I realised what a real privilege it is to be a nurse; how amazing it is to have been given the opportunity to wake up and do what I love every day.’

‘To look after someone in their final days is an absolute honour, and despite how tired I was, or whatever else I had going on, the lady in that bed deserved the best of me.’

‘That day brought my new role into perspective, and showed me that I really had to step up into such an important job.’

‘That lady may not have had any family in her room that day, but I can assure you she had a nurse with her who genuinely cared.’

Resthaven Graduate Nurse Program Preceptor, Julie Tansing, says, ‘It is stories such as these that make the Resthaven Graduate Nurse Program worthwhile.’

‘It’s one thing to be trained as a nurse, but it’s quite another to actually work together with older people to support them in their individual wellness goals – including a good death.’

The Resthaven Graduate Nurse Program, which runs for nine months, supports nurses as they transition from university to a full time nursing career, with mentoring support, education and guidance. Resthaven is unique in offering such a program in the Australian aged care setting. The 2019 program commenced in February this year, with a new group of graduates following in Ana’s footsteps.

Ana certainly benefited from the program, saying, ‘I had a great mentor who was always there for me with whatever I needed, and such supportive co-workers.’

‘I feel blessed with the opportunity to start my career in such an amazing place that truly taught me something new every day.’

Established in 1935, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.