Passionate About Wellbeing and Helping Others
“Be honest with yourself.” This is what Annalisa Lukas would tell her younger self. Back then, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, ballerina, or police officer. She even had the option to pursue engineering due to her focus on natural sciences in upper secondary education. However, when the moment arrived to choose a path, it was her grandmother’s story and career as a midwife that resonated the most. Around this same time, a book about midwifery caught her eye. Soon, she had made her decision.
Annaliisa enjoyed her studies. She felt that her innate empathy and desire to assist others would serve her well in midwifery. To support herself, she worked at Finnair and various travel agencies alongside her studies. Upon graduation, she began her career at the HUS Kätilöopisto hospital in Helsinki, initially in the delivery ward, before taking on temporary roles in places like the fertility clinic and Espoo Jorvi Hospital.
From Midwife to Yoga Instructor
Annalisa’s vibrant energy and positivity didn’t go unnoticed at her local gym, leading her to be invited to train as a yoga instructor. She left her midwifery work to seize this opportunity. After completing her training, she spent a decade as a full-time gym and group fitness instructor.
Her enthusiasm for this new career was so profound that she decided to become a fitness entrepreneur, planning to establish her own gym with two friends. However, life took her friends in different directions, and the joint venture fell through. Undeterred, Annalisa forged ahead alone, managing the workload of three people to start her gym. After two years, she decided to step away. Another company acquired the gym, and staying would have meant accepting a lower salary and adapting to new practices. These factors contributed to her decision to leave, but the most compelling reason came from within. A voice in her heart whispered: Become a nurse.
A Return to Caregiving
Annaliisa found her way back to the healthcare sector, securing a position at Diacor. Initially, she served in customer service, later transitioning to nursing. However, when Terveystalo acquired Diacor, the caregiving philosophy underwent a drastic shift leading to a wave of resignations. Annaliisa was also among those who decided to leave.
Annaliisa’s nursing career continued at Mehiläinen Espoo, where she leveraged her midwifery background to provide birth control counseling. She also assisted patients suffering from pain caused by physical inactivity. The diversity of her role and the opportunity to infuse her work with her personal values and character appealed to her greatly.
Then, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Annaliisa was called to serve at the Iso Omena health station in Espoo, where she continues to work and find fulfillment.
“The work at a health station is incredibly diverse. The tasks of a midwife are rather narrow in comparison. From a perspective of professional growth, the work at the health station is more rewarding,” Annaliisa reflects.
When the team model was introduced at Iso Omena, Annaliisa stepped up to the role of a team leader, a position she held for one and a half years. Currently, she is involved in orienting new workers, nursing, and serving as a contact person for the communicable diseases unit. Her official title is ‘Qualified Nurse’. In addition to her job, Annaliisa serves as the board secretary of the Midwife Association of Uusimaa (Uudenmaan Kätilöyhdistys).
“I want my work to be meaningful. Even a simple ‘thank you’ from a single client makes my job feel meaningful.”
A Sense of Belonging
In Annaliisa’s perspective, the wellbeing services county reform has broadened the accessibility of professional skills and knowledge. The transition from a municipal level to a larger organization has increased the number of colleagues. Above all, her job satisfaction stems from the work itself and her colleagues. Furthermore, the unity that comes from working under a large, shared organization instils a sense of belonging.
However, the shift to wellbeing services counties has also brought about some areas of ambiguity, particularly in terms of who to contact and where. She also believes that employees may not be fully aware of all the opportunities available to them. Enhancing communication about these opportunities could be beneficial. She also advocates for increased mutual staff training and collaboration with HUS.
Annaliisa suggests that a technical system more compatible with HUS would be advantageous, given the intense cooperation and routine referrals of patients from primary healthcare to specialized healthcare services.
For Annaliisa, the greatest reward in her work is witnessing the impact of her support on someone else’s life.
“I hold a deep respect for all living beings and am committed to help those in need. I would do this work regardless of the salary.”