She says, “In this field, you see how big a difference you make in someone’s life while taking care of them, which is so special.”
Analiese Wrye jumped wholeheartedly into professional development while training to become a registered nurse. She demonstrates a deep commitment, from serving patients on an immersive study abroad in Kenya to working as a nurse extern in the AdventHealth Redmond Emergency Room. Analiese also volunteers for Nurses with Nyogaya, an initiative by Berry nursing students that supports a foundation assisting Kenyan widows with education and housing.
Why did you choose Berry’s nursing program?
I chose Berry’s nursing program because of the small class sizes and the study abroad trip to Kenya. When I learned about the small classes and how well you get to know your professors, especially in the nursing program, I knew that Berry was for me.
What did you discover about yourself and your fellow students while in Kenya?
I reminisce daily on my love for the people of Kenya and how much I would love to go serve in their hospitals again. My cohort was stepping so far out of our comfort zone that being able to support each other allowed us to learn new things about everyone. We all learned how to better support people who are different from us and appreciate the things we take for granted. A lot of the experiences we had in the hospitals in Kenya will be applied in our future careers, improving our patient care in many ways.
Tell us about the Nyogaya Foundation — the nonprofit supported by Nurses with Nyogaya, an initiative by Berry nursing students.
The foundation supports Kenyan widows (called the Jewels) with learning different trades to support their family, get an education and find housing. When Kenyan wives become widows, they lose everything that they had with their husband, including their home. So, this foundation helps them to get back on their feet and sustainably support their family for the rest of their lives.
The foundation is hoping to soon open a full-time medical center in Obaga, Kenya, where a lot of these widows and their children live. Nurses with Nyogaya sells the jewelry and other items the widows make to help them support their families and build this clinic.
What are your top professional development lessons learned while working as an extern nurse?
It has allowed me the opportunity to gain experience working in the health care setting and practice certain nursing skills before I become a registered nurse. It has taught me how to manage my time effectively and prioritize my tasks. In addition, I have learned how to effectively communicate with patients as well as other health care professionals.
