Sanya Smith walks into her new office, ready for a busy day of helping students medically. Smith’s day quickly passes by as though she turned on an autopilot mode. After school she will head to the Mansfield Methodist Hospital to help out in the emergency room, educating patients on medical procedures as well as caring for them.
Smith has eight years of experience as a nurse. She works at the Mansfield Methodist Hospital, primarily in the critical care section of the emergency room. She joined the staff in the school’s clinic three weeks ago, overseeing medications for staff and students as well as assisting in general medical attention.
“I like having the opportunity to help people,” Smith said. “I like to help people and educate them on medical conditions because that’s the scary part, not knowing about what’s happening.”
Smith decided to follow the career of a nurse because she likes to hear of patients’ success stories. She also received inspiration from her mother who used to work as a nurse in fields such as childcare and psychiatry.
“I was inspired just by seeing her and hearing some of her stories,” Smith said. “[Nursing] is also very rewarding and diverse.” Smith said.
Smith said, the job of a nurse contains a vast assortment of specializations, from office work to bedside assistance. Subject knowledge and experience are key to the day-to-day tasks a nurse performs.
“I never stop learning, and there’s always education involved in the work,” Smith said.
Smith plans to go back to school soon to get her master’s degree. She also hopes to continue working in the school’s clinic, as she doesn’t have as much experience with teenagers as with other age groups.
“I’ve had a good time here. It’s been short. All of the students are pleasant, honest and sweet,” she said.
