Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, RN, embodies the journey of an immigrant who pursued her desires with unwavering dedication. “I sit right here actually proud as an immigrant, as a Jamaican American girl, who dared to dream to have the audacity to wish to be a part of this group of distinguished nurse leaders,” stated Lindsay.
Lindsay immigrated to the USA in 1986 on the age of 18 with a suitcase, $50, and the robust values instilled in her by her household. Rising up in a family the place her grandparents and entrepreneur father emphasised the significance of service and group care, Lindsay at all times aspired to make a distinction in well being care.
Upon arriving within the U.S., Lindsay confronted the problem of beginning over with none nursing or well being care expertise. She started her profession as a nursing aide for 3 years whereas attending the Borough of Manhattan Neighborhood Faculty full-time to earn her affiliate diploma in nursing. Wanting again on her earlier profession as a nurse chief, she admired those that had the excellence of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), probably the most prestigious recognition in nursing. She appeared to observe of their footsteps, however thought it was a longshot as a result of statistics surrounding nursing; whereas there are over 5 million nurses within the U.S., just a bit over 3,000 have the FAAN credential. However Lindsay will quickly be a part of FAAN’s ranks, set to be inducted within the fall at a Washington D.C ceremony alongside different 2025 newcomers.
Reflecting on her profession, all the best way again to the primary time she walked into the Lenox Hill Hospital oncology unit, Lindsay acknowledges the impression of her experiences. She believes that each affected person’s story has formed her journey and contributed to her development. The trials she confronted, notably throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthened her resilience and deepened her dedication to serving weak communities.
To these aspiring to attain comparable recognition, Lindsay emphasizes that tough work, dedication, and a dedication to creating a distinction can result in success. She encourages nurses to give attention to their targets and attempt to create a constructive impression, each domestically and globally. “You, too, could be a fellow. You, too, can be a part of this distinguished group of nurses who’re shaping the way forward for nurses.”
Wanting ahead, Lindsay goals to have a larger impression on nursing insurance policies and practices alongside like-minded, distinguished professionals. “I’m so proud to be becoming a member of the ranks, to be taught from them, to be extra current, extra seen, on the nursing stage, seen in public well being and world well being. To be a mentor for the longer term era of nurses. To proceed my work globally,” stated Lindsay. At present enrolled within the world public well being program at Harvard Faculty of Public Well being, she seeks to be taught from world methods to boost public well being initiatives.
Lindsay is especially enthusiastic about advocating for ladies’s well being in her homeland of Jamaica, specializing in guaranteeing correct entry to care and championing menstrual fairness. By means of her work, she aspires to empower ladies and contribute to a more healthy future for all.
