Nursing is a calling for Jovani
Humble, caring and passionate are some of the words which Tzaneen Mediclinic personnel use to describe Jovani Katrakazas.
Katrakazas was voted best nurse by his colleagues recently.
Although he has only been with the hospital for two years and few months, his work speaks volumes.
Sister Amelia Benade told the Herald that he loves a challenge and never says no to the task at hand.
She described him as selfless as he always puts the needs of patients and colleagues before his own.
Originally from Italy, he grew up in Pretoria and had a normal childhood, until Grade 7 when his mother was diagnosed with abdominal cancer. He started nursing his mother, making sure she was well taken care of.
This life event triggered his interest and love for nursing.
After she passed away, he moved from Pretoria to Witbank to a new adoptive family.
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“I developed a love of caring for sick people.
I knew then that I wanted to have a career in nursing.”
He joined the army after high school where he did an obs medic and stitching course.
“I continued studying and eventually became a registered nurse. I also studied midwifery,” Katrakazas explained.
After spending 14 years in the public health sector he decided to embark on a career in the private sector.
He worked at Life Cosmos Private Hospital in Witbank for two years and at Lancet as a manager.
He resigned from his position when he hurt his arm and was unable to continue his work.
Together with his wife, Nikita they relocated to Polokwane to start a new life.
“I volunteered at Mediclinic Polokwane with my broken arm and after a month I was employed on a temporary basis.
“As time went by I also started doing temporary jobs at the Tzaneen branch until I was permanetly employed as a clinical facilitator.
“I refused to allow my physical challenges to stop me from doing what I love.
Nursing is a profession, not just a job.” He says his journey at Mediclinic Tzaneen has been great.
“My colleagues have really been supportive and made my time here enjoyable,” he added.
His advice to aspiring nurses is to always leave your problems at home and focus on the patients.
He said that having a supportive family plays a big role in the success of a nursing practitioner.
“I contribute my success to the support of my wife, Nikita,” he concluded.
