Her Story
About Anna Jean
Anna Jean Kelly is a registered nurse at Health First, where she provides patient-centered care with a focus on geriatric and cardiac nursing. She currently works in a hospital cardiac unit, caring primarily for older adults with complex medical conditions, including heart disease, infections, stroke risk, altered mental status, and withdrawal-related symptoms. Her clinical experience is supported by strong communication skills, a compassionate approach to patient care, and a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare. While continuing to expand her expertise, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Keiser University, building on her Associate of Science in Nursing and strengthening her knowledge of nursing leadership and administration. Originally from the Philippines, Kelly immigrated to the United States in 2020 with her husband and began her professional journey by taking available opportunities, including roles in the restaurant and aviation industries before transitioning into healthcare. Encouraged by her husband to pursue her long-term aspirations, she returned to school to study nursing while working as a doctor's assistant and later as a nurse technician at Health First. These experiences allowed her to develop a strong clinical foundation and ultimately transition into her current role as a registered nurse. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the Philippines, demonstrating her diverse educational background and adaptability. Kelly's professional philosophy centers on perseverance, continuous learning, and compassionate service. As the oldest of three siblings, she strives to lead by example and credits her success to her determination, the support of her family, and her husband. She believes healthcare professionals must remain resilient through challenges while maintaining a positive attitude that benefits both patients and colleagues. Looking ahead, she is completing her BSN, has applied for a nursing role with the U.S. Air Force and remains dedicated to advancing her career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of the patients and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anna Jean
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my own determination, as well as the unwavering support of my family and my husband. As the oldest of three siblings, I know they look up to me, and I want to set a positive example for them. I want to show them that with hard work, perseverance, and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. By striving to do my best, I hope to inspire them to pursue their own goals and become the best versions of themselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I can give is to work hard, stay focused, and remain determined. Keep pushing forward through both the highs and the lows because every challenge is an opportunity to grow. At the same time, don't forget to take care of yourself. When your workday is over, make time to decompress, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will help you avoid burnout and allow you to continue giving your best, both professionally and personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be prepared! nursing is challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding professions. There will be difficult days that test your strength and resilience, but the opportunity to make a positive difference in your patients' lives makes it all worthwhile. Stay committed to learning, work hard, and never lose your compassion for those you care for.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is professional growth. Nursing extends far beyond bedside care, offering diverse career paths in leadership, education, informatics, research, case management, advanced practice, and the military. These opportunities us nurses to continue learning, expand our skills, and make a meaningful impact in many areas of healthcare.
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