“Nursing is not what I do, it’s who I am.”

At the age of thirteen, Kenyan-born Phylies Chebet Kosgey witnessed her beloved uncle endure a marathon operation to remove a life-threatening brain tumour. Incredibly moved by the care and compassion shown to him by nurses at the hospital, she vowed to one day join their profession and dedicate herself to caring for others.

Sheer determination, countless years of training and study and a 9,000km journey from her hometown of Eldoret in Kenya has seen Phylies achieve her dream role - Clinical Manager at Baptistcare Gracewood Residential Care in Salter Point WA.

“Mustering up the courage to leave my whole life behind in Kenya in 2012 and venture out into the first-world medical field was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Phylies.

Relocating to Perth meant undertaking conversion training at Curtin University to become a Registered Nurse with an Australian qualification so Phylies took a part time job as a Care Partner at Gracewood.

“Some of the most touching moments of my nursing career so far have been working in Geriatrics and being able to care for the ageing population,” said Phylies.

“Coming from a country where palliative care was unheard of to now working at Gracewood where it is vital to provide comfort and quality care regardless of diagnosis is astounding.

“Being a nurse and caring for others isn’t just a job to me, it is a part of who I am.”

Baptistcare CEO Russell Bricknell said International Nurses Day is a great opportunity to put a spotlight on the amazing people who care for our most vulnerable seniors.

“People like Phylies are not only working at the highest level of care, but they are fabulous role models for people considering a nursing career in aged care,” said Russell.

“Being able to see her journey and the way she has dedicated herself to aged care is truly inspiring.”

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