With a heartfelt commitment to positively impacting the lives of patients and their families under her care, Nurse Dolly Softley Austin is on a mission to contribute significantly to the healthcare industry.
Nurse Dolly Softley Austin during a recent outreach
To appreciate where Austin is today, one must first understand the path she took to get here.
EARLY YEARS AND EDUCATIONAL MILESTONES
Born and raised in the small village of Three Friends on the Essequibo Coast, Austin is the eldest of two siblings.
Her educational journey took her through the Reliance Nursery, C.V. Nunes Primary, and Abram Zuil Secondary Schools.
After completing her high school education, she pursued the Pharmacy Assistant Training programme offered by the Ministry of Health (MoH), earning a certificate in 2014.
She served the government for three years and, after, pursued her lifelong dream by enrolling in the Professional Nursing programme. She completed her Diploma in November of 2021.
The medical field is continuously evolving with more and more advances being made each day. This is one of the aspects of the medical field that appeals to me the most. The concept of being constantly surrounded by knowledge and the opportunity to contribute to these advancements is what motivates me to pursue a career in the medical field.
A DECADE OF DEDICATION IN THE HEALTH SECTOR
This 28-year-old has been in the health sector for a decade, with the last two years devoted to her role as a nurse.
She has worked at various healthcare institutions, including the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital, Goed Intent Health Centre, and West Demerara Regional Hospital.
Nurse Dolly Softley Austin
Her experience encompasses male and female surgical wards, accident and emergency, and theatre, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in the dynamic field of nursing.
My philosophy of nursing grows out of the value I place in being a nurse. Despite the challenges within the medical field, I chose to be a nurse because nursing is a great profession that not only helps people but also gives you the opportunity to positively impact the lives of both patients and their families, and this is a career that suits me well.
I would say there are only a handful of professions, other than nursing, that I believe are as fulfilling and varied yet so mentally stimulating at the same time. It is a profession that is not only physically demanding but mentally too.
PASSION FOR NURSING AND HELPING OTHERS
This Abram Zuil Secondary School alumna’s desire to help others is not confined to her professional life.
In fact, she said it intertwines seamlessly with her personal experiences.
I have always had a passion for helping others. I love the idea of being considered a dependable person, and being a nurse gives me that opportunity to do such because it combines my natural empathy and desire to help people.
GIVING BACK: A JOURNEY INTO VOLUNTEERING
Dolly’s altruistic nature extends beyond her professional duties and into the realm of volunteering.
Nurse Dolly Softley Austin
What began as a simple favour for a colleague has transformed into a passion project.
Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all walks of life. It helped me gain perspective on life as there is no better way to understand the values of helping persons in need, and with everything that’s going on in the world, now is the time to help make a kinder society that improves our mental health.
We’re all familiar with the saying ‘it’s better to give than receive.’ What might surprise you is that this is actually backed up by research. I believe that our passion should be the foundation for our giving. It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS: BECOMING A NURSE LEADER
Looking to the future, Nurse Austin, who is pursuing the Occupational Health and Safety programme through the American University of Peace said that her ultimate career goal is to continue to develop professionally and become a well-rounded and experienced healthcare professional.
Recognising the key characteristics of a nurse leader, she places importance on passion for patient care, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of healthcare administration and operations.
Nurse Dolly Softley Austin
My passion for nursing and a desire to help others has brought me to this point in my career. My career goal is to become a successful nurse leader who significantly contributes to the healthcare industry. I understand that ongoing education and professional development are crucial to my success as a nurse.
Therefore, I plan to continually improve my knowledge and skills by furthering my education with an advanced nursing degree, attending professional development workshops and seminars, and staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the healthcare industry. I am passionate about nursing and helping others, and I am committed to advancing my professional career to become a highly skilled and experienced nurse leader. I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing education and professional development, I will achieve my career goals and significantly contribute to the healthcare industry.
