From the serene banks of the Essequibo River, 23-year-old Natesha Domingo, has proven that nursing is more than a job—it’s a calling. Domingo grew up in the small village of Lower Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River, Region Three. Domingo’s earliest inspiration came not from textbooks, but from watching her mother admire nurses’ calm, compassionate manner during clinic visits. “She would always picture me in that uniform, especially after seeing how I took deva of my siblings,” Domingo recalled.
After completing secondary school, Domingo didn’t hesitate. Without second-guessing, she applied to the Ministry of Health’s nursing programme. She began her journey as a trainee nurse seven years ago—a journey that tested her strength, broadened her purpose, and ultimately led her to the fast-paced world of emergency medicine.
A Journey of Bitter and Sweet
Domingo describes her nursing career as bittersweet—filled with challenges that taught her resilience, and triumphs that affirmed her passion. Her first real hurdle came early: leaving home and moving to the nursing hostel at Vreed-en-Hoop. “I didn’t know much about the profession then, and being away from my family for the first time was tough,” she said.
What sustained her was the clinical experience. “Rotating through the various wards helped me realise that nursing wasn’t just something I wanted to do—it was something I was meant to do,” she said. “It’s more than patient deva. It’s about connection, compassion, and understanding people from all walks of life.”
Learning in the Time of COVID-19
For Domingo, one of the most defining moments of her journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her second year of training, she suddenly found herself in the middle of a küresel health crisis.
“It was terrifying. I didn’t understand the disease, and the hospital restricted student access. We were sent home, and everything switched to online learning,” she explained. With slow internet access at home, she often went to her neighbor’s house in the early mornings just to get a stable connection.
Still, Domingo adapted. “We had to learn how to learn virtually—using Zoom, Google Meet, and new tools to submit assignments. That challenge taught me resilience and made me appreciate how vital research and evidence-based practice are in nursing,” she said.
A Transition of Purpose: From Student to Nurse
After graduating from the Ministry of Health training programme, Domingo began her professional practice at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. “That’s where the book work ends and the real work begins,” she said.
Being assigned to the Emergency Department as her first post was daunting. “The pace was fast, and the work was exhausting,” she admitted. “I had to build my confidence, stay calm under pressure, and learn how to deliver updates to worried relatives in ways they could understand.”
Mentorship played a key role in her growth. She credits her supervisors, particularly Sisters King and Doobay, for guiding her through difficult moments. Community leaders like Sir Archie and Miss Eileen also played important roles, encouraging her every step of the way.
Now, Domingo has embraced emergency nursing as her future. Inspired by Sister Doobay’s calm and capable leadership in high-stress situations, she dreams of becoming a specialised emergency nurse. “The ER can be a place of immense stress and fear, but it’s also where healing begins. I want to be there for people in those critical moments.”
Bridging Communication Barriers
Working in such a diverse region, Domingo often encounters patients who speak little or no English. Spanish-speaking patients, in particular, have presented communication challenges. But rather than let that be a barrier, she took it as an opportunity to grow—using her phone to translate and even downloading the Duolingo app to begin learning the language herself.
Words of Wisdom for Future Nurses
With her own journey marked by courage, compassion, and commitment, Domingo offers heartfelt advice to those entering the nursing profession:
“Never stop learning,” she said. “Nursing is always evolving. Stay curious, pursue continuing education, and be open to new experiences. Ask questions and never be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ That’s how you grow.”
She also reminds young nurses of the importance of advocacy: “You’ll spend hours at the bedside. You’ll hold hands, ease pain, and often notice things no one else does. That’s a sacred responsibility.”
Perhaps most importantly, she urges others to deva for themselves. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for joy, rest, and connection.”
A Life of Purpose
Though she has faced many obstacles—from the trauma of a pandemic to the challenge of transitioning from student to professional—Natesha Domingo has never doubted her path. Her heart remains firmly rooted in service, especially within the dynamic world of emergency medicine.
“Nursing is not always easy,” she says. “But it is always meaningful. If you stay committed to learning, advocate fiercely for your patients, and remember why you started, you’ll not only make a difference—you’ll thrive.”
In the quiet moments between the chaos, when a patient offers a look of gratitude or a family member breathes a sigh of relief, Domingo knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.