In the realm of healthcare, compassion and empathy form the cornerstone of outstanding patient care, and Nurse Sonia Munroe has emerged as a radiant beacon, illuminating the lives of those under her care.
Hailing from the quiet village of Vriesland on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), Nurse Munroe goes beyond the call of duty to profoundly impact the lives of her patients.
Nurse Sonia Munroe recently graduated with a Distinction from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme at the University of Guyana.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IN VRIESLAND
Munroe, now 32 years old, fondly recalls her childhood in Vriesland, where she attended Patentia Nursery, followed by Patentia Primary and eventually Patentia Secondary.
After her secondary education, she earned a Diploma in Nursing from the Georgetown School of Nursing in 2014, followed by a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety in 2021 from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Guyana.
Nurse Munroe during a recent outreach
Subsequently, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at the University of Guyana’s College of Medical Science, bagging a distinction.
THE CALL TO NURSING: EIGHT YEARS OF NURSING EXCELLENCE
Asked about her motivation to join the medical profession, Munroe passionately stated:
The reason why I wanted to become a nurse is because it is so rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life. It is a career that helps you save lives, brings happiness to individuals and their families, and comforts those in need.
With over eight years of experience under her belt, Nurse Munroe has worked diligently in various primary healthcare facilities in Region Three.
Those facilities include Manram Memorial Health Center in Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, followed by roles at Tuschen Health Center and Vreed en Hoop Health Center. Currently, she serves at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
Elaborating on her passion for helping others, this 32-year-old Nurse emphasised the significance of emotional support in patient care.
A nurse tends to patients’ needs more than a doctor, making the patient feel at ease. The nursing field, I believe, is diverse and demanding. Each of us is unique, and the way we respond to different situations varies, too. I think one of the most fascinating careers that is still growing in today’s world is nursing, and I sure love the difference I make when I interact with and care for my patients. As a nurse, I provide far more than just medical care to my patients. I prioritise the needs of my patients and provide care in a compassionate and professional manner.
VOLUNTEERING WITH PURPOSE
Nurse Munroe’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her regular duties.
Volunteering with the Specialist Medical Outreach Team (SMOT) has been a rewarding experience for her.
As a nurse, you can make a real difference in someone’s life, and so going out and meeting others where healthcare might not be easily and readily accessible provides me with the opportunity to help those in need. This exposure has helped to broaden my understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and experiences.
ACADEMIC MILESTONE AT UG
Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Guyana, Munroe reflects on the challenges of balancing work and study.
Sometimes it was challenging because of the fact that I used to work strictly night shifts just so that I could attend my classes during the day, and so sometimes I was extremely tired, but I had a goal to accomplish, and I dug deep and persevered. My family was very supportive and understanding of this journey, and so they assisted in many, many ways.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Looking to the future, this passionate nurse shares her academic aspirations, aiming to specialise and pursue a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D.
In conclusion, Nurse Munroe leaves us with a quote by Elizabeth Andrew, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
