The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected the life and health of more than one million people across the world. This overwhelms many countries’ healthcare systems, and, of course, affects healthcare providers such as nurses fighting on the frontlines to safeguard the lives of everyone affected.
Nurse Rene Atkinson
Among those nurses putting their lives at risk and even taking the debilitating hit and has recovered is Rene Atkinson. Registered Nurse Atkinson was in April tested positive for COVID-19 and has now recovered.
Atkinson was born at the Kumaka District Hospital on the 4th June 1993 to parents Leslie and Francisca Atkinson. He grew up with nine other siblings in Santa Rosa – the largest Indigenous settlement located in the Moruca Sub-District, Region One (Barima – Waini).
He attended the Santa Rosa Nursery Primary School, during which he was able to obtain a hinterland scholarship and later attended the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School.
I vividly remember enjoying playtime, everyone lived a stone throw away from each other, so it was not an uncommon occurrence for siblings, cousins, and distant relatives enjoying extended playtime with each other, oh it was such an experience, no worries in the world just fun and adventures.
Nurse Atkinson explained that while in secondary school, he was hospitalised for a few weeks. While in the hospital, his passion for joining the profession was sparked by the level of care he received.
After completing school in 2010, he volunteered at the Santa Rosa Secondary School for a short period of time. But at the end of the day, he never felt satisfied in the teaching profession.
I sought permission to volunteer at the Kumaka District Hospital, where I felt at home. I became so eager to learn and became involved in many different tasks; however, it was nursing that captured my heart and soul.
In September 2011, the young nurse ventured to the Georgetown School of Nursing, where he completed training on 15th June 2015 and became a Registered Nurse. He has served several villages throughout Guyana.
I chose Nursing because I felt like a superhero, I felt I was doing something great, meaningful, and it felt awesome helping the sick.
The 27-year-old started working at the Woodlands Hospital just over a year ago. However, after COVID-19 touched Guyana’s shores on March 11, 2020, Nurse Atkinson was placed on the frontline.
Though Atkinson always knew himself to be a courageous person, he relayed that he had his “fair shares” of challenges working with patients infected with the deadly virus. On the 13th April 2020, Atkinson’s worst fear became a reality after being tested positive for the coronavirus.
My very first pandemic experience where my greatest fear became a reality as I was tested positive for COVID-19, I suffered mild to moderate symptoms, and it was definitely a scary experience. One that I will never want to experience again if you ask me.
He revealed that Christmas is one of his favourite things about Guyana.
I love my country Guyana, I love the weather, the different people, the diverse cultural background, and our ability to adapt to any situation. My favourite time in Guyana is Christmas. This time is filled with festivities, family, lights, and many positive vibes.
Rene enjoys reading good books and loves history as he is a huge fan of the Egyptian culture. His advice to anyone wanting to join the healthcare profession is simple. He shared;
Nurse Atkinson at work
If there is anyone out there that wishes to become a nurse, my advice to you is to volunteer your time at a hospital or clinic, get the first-hand experience before you decide, because nursing is more than just about ‘Giving injections or tablets.’ Be prepared to work holidays, on your birthdays, and little family time. If you are a person with a big heart and a strong stomach, then nursing is for you.
Rene intents to become an emergency Nurse Specialist, where he can gain more knowledge about the healthcare system. He said this would enable his skills and expertise to advance the level of care the populace receives.
