Bursting with joy!

Anastasia Lynch, filled with pride to serve, smiled while she celebrated the first day of the Annual Nursing Week at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), on Monday, July 15, 2019.

|Quade Thompson

Mandeville, ncu– 26-year-old Nurse, Anastasia Lynch shares her journey of passion and service even throughout hard and life-threatening experiences.

Lynch who is a graduate of Excelsior Community College of Nursing in Kingston, Jamaica, shared that the journey was never an easy one. She explained that she’s always had a passion for the medical field but admitted that her first love was not Nursing. “I originally wanted to become a Doctor, however, due to financial constraints, I just decided to become a Nurse as it would mean I’d be through with studies sooner. I have a passion for the medical field, and anything associated with it, as it is interesting to learn and offer help to people. That’s my favorite part of it all”, she said.

Getting to this point was not only challenging due to her financial situation, but she also shared other obstacles she would have faced along the way. “It was hard, as I had to overcome difficult courses. The workload was a lot, and it felt like I was studying to become a Doctor instead of a Nurse. But I still pursued because I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging and makes a difference in people’s daily lives,” Lynch shared.

Nurse Lynch spoke to the recent cases of taxi drivers, refusing to carry Nurses in their vehicles, in fear of contracting the Coronavirus. “I believe the taxi drivers should carry the Nurses because we are essential workers, having no choice but to go to work even in these times. But on the other hand, I understand that the taxi drivers are afraid as well. They are trying to protect themselves from getting something they are not aware of. But these are some of the struggles we face as Nurses. It is hardly ever an easy job.”

Lynch believes that the role of our Nurses in society is a very important one. “Nurses are the most trusted healthcare professionals. They are with patients throughout the continuum of life. Nurses are the front lines of healthcare, helping individuals overcome illness and lead healthier”, Lynch stated.

She remains grateful for the experience she receives from being a Nurse, and states that it is a self-rewarding practice. “Nursing allows me to enjoy the reward of serving people while growing professionally and personally. It brings obstacles and opportunities and continually challenges
me to be and do my best.” She mentioned that “in Nursing, every day is a new challenge, but I enjoy the variety in the routine.”

Lynch explained that passion without knowledge of what we pursue makes no sense, by sharing that “if you are passionate about something, do your research to ensure that you are comfortable with the decision you are making. That’s important.” Lynch expressed that her passion for her career always makes it a little easier.

Being an only child, she expressed that she is also happy that she is making her family proud in the process. “Life is good. Being a Nurse has positively impacted my family, as they are very proud of me and important to me,” she said.

The resident of Greater Portmore, St. Catherine, Jamaica who has served for two years at the University Hospital of the West Indies and continues to, shared that even in a time such as this, when the world panics, she will continue to serve and reap the self-fulfilling reward of seeing others get well.