Growing up in the village of Hopetown, on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB), Winella Gibson-Khalil always had an innate desire to care for others.
Nurse Winella Gibson-Khalil
At 30 years old, she reflects on her journey as a nurse, driven by a passion for helping people.
EARLY YEARS IN HOPETOWN
Winella was born and raised in Hopetown, where she spent her formative years. She attended Hopetown Nursery School and Hopetown Primary School, where she laid the foundation for her education.
Reflecting on her childhood, Winella fondly recalls her time spent with her grandmother and siblings. As the third child in a family of seven, she often found herself in the role of caretaker.
“I was always the one helping out if my siblings got cuts and bruises. I would be the one taking care of them,” she shared. This early inclination towards caregiving set the stage for her future career in nursing.
EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS AND EARLY CAREER
After completing her primary education, Winella attended Belludrum Secondary School. Following high school, she worked at a hair salon in her hometown before moving to Georgetown to pursue further education.
In Georgetown, she completed several courses, earning certificates and a diploma, all while nurturing her dream of a career in healthcare.
Her journey into the professional world saw her take on various roles to gain valuable experience. For ten years, she worked at Bounty Farms Limited on East Bank as a pricing clerk, labourer, and storekeeper. She also spent six months at New Vision Labs Inc. as a nurse aide.
Every job I took was a stepping stone, teaching me valuable lessons and skills that I use every day as a nurse.
These diverse roles equipped her with a broad skill set and a deeper understanding of different work environments.
A Passion for Nursing
Despite the varied jobs, Winella’s passion for nursing remained steadfast.
Helping people is my biggest concern. Giving care and support is one of the reasons for being in this field of work. It makes your patients feel happy and comfortable.
Fifteen months ago, Winella realised her dream of becoming a nurse. Her dedication and hard work earned her placements in several critical departments.
Nurse Winella Gibson-Khalil
These departments include the Maternity Unit, Male Surgical Ward, Female Surgical Ward, and the Central Sterilisation and Supply Unit (CSSU).
She is currently working in the Ophthalmology Department at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she continues to provide compassionate care to her patients.
Looking to the Future
This 30-year-old journey is far from over. She is currently planning to retake her Mathematics and English exams to further her nursing career. Her ultimate goal is to secure a degree in nursing from the University of Guyana.
I am always looking to improve myself and my skills so that I can provide the best care possible. Education is a crucial part of that journey.
