About the Author

Brenton Stacey

Brenton is Avondale University’s Public Relations and Philanthropy Officer. He brings to the role experience as a communicator in publishing, media relations, public relations, radio and television, mostly within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific and its entities.

Anna found passion for people and service at Avondale

Anna Bocchino’s graduation (BNurs, 2012) is a significant personal and familial milestone. She is the first person in her immediate and extended family to study at Avondale. Her positive experience influenced others. “One of my sisters and three of my cousins followed after me and now my brother is also thinking about attending.”

Anna grew in confidence. A shy person who had completed her primary and secondary education at public schools, the Christian focus at Avondale “helped me discover a passion for people and service. Not just in my job but also in my church and community.”

Anna believes a willingness to serve is necessary for providing the best service. “We need to be aware of what we’re feeding our heart and mind. We can’t do more without filling our tank.” She draws on the example of Jesus, who would often spend time alone with God to rest and rejuvenate before He could serve others. “This helps me offer the best service to my church and provide the best care for my patients.” One of her most memorable patients: her grandmother. Anna cared for her as she passed away.

Experience while a student as an Assistant in Nursing at Sydney Adventist Hospital helped prepare Anna for work as a Registered Nurse. She began her career at Royal North Shore Hospital (2013-2015) in Sydney then returned home to Tasmania, where she has a permanent contract in the neonatal paediatric intensive care unit at Royal Hobart Hospital. She also has a postgraduate qualification—a Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Nursing from the University of Tasmania. Training to be a specialist in this field is one of Anna’s top professional accomplishments.

Family support in hospital is an important part of neonatal care, but Anna tells of a mother who could not hold her newborn for several weeks. “It’s easy to shut down emotions at work, but I know the pain that poor mum had to go through. I know because we’re with them right to the end of their journey through ICU. We form a close bond.”

The Class of 2012 honours Anna Bocchino for consistently demonstrating care for others, particularly those at a vulnerable time of their lives.

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