By Nashida White – Ballantyne. Updated 7:32 a.m., Monday, May 6, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of One News SVG.
The theme “Nurses Make the Difference” has been chosen by the American Nurses Association for 2024 to highlight nurses’ various duties and their beneficial impact on our lives.
Nurses make the difference -My ten-year journey in retrospect -Staff Nurse Nashida White-Ballantyne
To excel in the unique field of nursing, one must possess both creative talent and scientific knowledge. This combination is what originally appealed me to the idea of becoming a nurse. The human body and its functions have always fascinated me, and I appreciate learning about the science behind healthcare. However, nursing involves more than simply scientific knowledge of the body. It also involves an artistic grasp of the patient and their requirements. Nursing is a challenging and rewarding vocation that blends science and art, which is why I am drawn to it. Being a past Natural Sciences student at the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Community College: Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies and a Do it yourself addict, I use my science background and creative skills on a daily basis as a Nurse.
Nursing, I believe, was the ideal approach for me to make a difference in the lives of others since it blends my inherent empathy with my passion to help people. Nursing allows me to have a positive impact on people’s lives, which has always appealed to me. I enrolled in the then-School of Nursing in October 2009. Despite receiving negative feedback about the institution, I approached its doors determined to succeed. During my three-year tenure, my motto was, “If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail .” I had lots of personal challenges, these motivated me to fight.
Nursing school is a challenging experience in which students must balance various courses while also working real shifts at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. These rotations help students gain insight into hospital management, have a solid understanding of nursing protocols, and learn excellent bedside manners. As a student, this can be extremely tedious; yet, these talents cannot be acquired by simulation.
After being successful on my initial sitting of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration and placing first, I was appointed in October 2014, my ten-year journey as a Staff nurse was filled with a plethora of emotions, some depressing days but primarily fulfilling days. I really enjoy being a nurse despite the challenges and I always say, yes I would choose this profession again if given the chance to do it over.
The first ward I was assigned to was the pediatric ward, this ward is a constitution of the main pediatric ward, the neonatal intensive care unit, and the pediatric critical care unit. Working in these specialized areas with children can be very nerve-wracking, heartbreaking yet rewarding most times. At the pediatric unit, I hosted two events, the most memorable being the Purple Run where funds were raised and proceeds went towards the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
After almost two years, I transferred to the Male surgical ward. I cried when I first got there, but it turned out to be one of the best wards with the most intriguing cases and experiences. My nursing and managerial skills have improved as a result of the diverse range of diagnoses and scenarios. Talk about action, then talk about the Male surgical ward. While in this unit, I organized diabetic week, which included teaching sessions and activities with my now-deceased but not forgotten Nurse friend and mentor Arianna Taylor.
In 2019, I was transferred to the Female Surgical Ward, where I formed lifelong friendships with women from all walks of life. The biggest difficulty with that Unit is the workload; as we previously stated, it is a tough ward. In this unit, I felt compelled to organize more activities and raise awareness. I taught more, held a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome awareness event, and hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
I constantly encourage nurses to continue their education and stay current on evolving nursing trends and breakthroughs. So, as an example, I have about fifty certificates in various aspects of nursing from different educational institutions and nursing associations, including the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, UTECH in Jamaica, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the Philippine Nurses Association. Currently, I am working at the Lewis Punnette home, which has piqued my interest in degenerative disorders. I hope to do research on the impact of physical activity on Dementia. Since moving there, I’ve done two events for the residents and hope to do more in collaboration with my events team.
My love for nursing and teaching has led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing Education, I am currently in my last semester at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Nursing is a rewarding and demanding career with the potential to make a significant difference in people’s lives. I believe that the nursing sector is dynamic and ever-changing, providing many opportunities for learning and growth. I strive to consistently enhance my knowledge and abilities in this field. As a result, I would be able to provide better treatment to my patients while also keeping up with professional changes. I am also a part of the SVG Nurses Association and serve as part of the decor and planning committee.
In conclusion, Nursing is a rewarding and noble job that provides a balance of hands-on care, emotional support, and professional development. The nursing sector is continually evolving, providing several options for advancement and financial stability. The ultimate reward of a nursing career is the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives. So the question I am always asked ? Would I be a Nurse again, of course a resounding yes!
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