IANANT Nurse Spotlight - Lincy Babu

Lincy A Babu,
BSN, RN-BC, CMSRN
Assistant Manager, Geriatric Unit, UT Southwestern Medical Center 

Lincy Babu always knew that she wanted to work in the medical field. It is her mother, also a nurse, who inspired her to choose the nursing profession. When she started work in the geriatric specialty, she loved it and professionally advanced to be the assistant manager of her unit. She likes her association with professional organizations such as Indian American Nurses Association of North Texas to keep herself current with professional development opportunities. Below is an excerpt from a question and answer session with Lincy.

What’s your typical day of work look like?

My work includes unit-management and clinical responsibilities on the night shift. For two days, I work as a night shift charge nurse. I typically manage a shift’s work taking care of unit needs and patient needs. These are long shifts of 13- 14 hours. For the other two, I work on management and administrative responsibilities. These are shorter – 6 – 8 hours a day.  
 
What is the favorite part of your job? What are some of your challenges?
 
I enjoy seeing that I made a difference in patients’ lives. There are so many things we can do for our patients going above and beyond. Sometimes our mere presence will make a difference in their lives. One of the main challenges currently is staffing which is a problem in all of healthcare. 
 
How has nursing changed your life? Any advice for future nurses? 
 
Nursing has opened my eyes to being empathetic to others. I am now more understanding of other people’s needs. Nursing is a very rewarding profession, and you get a sense of satisfaction after doing your job. It also has a wide variety of choices of specialty and roles. One can pick a practice according to their interest and passion.
 
What do you aspire to achieve in the next five years? What are you doing to achieve it? 
 
I aspire to continue to learn and grow professionally on the career ladder. Currently, I am enrolled in a graduate program and working towards its completion.
 
What do you do for fun? What is one surprising thing that others do not know about you? 
 
I like to spend time with my kids. I also enjoy watching movies and listening to music. Had I not been a nurse, I would be a teacher. 
 
*If you want an IANANT nurse to be nominated for “Nurse Spotlight” please send the nomination to: indianamericannurses@gmail.com

Interviewed by:
Viji George, MA, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC
Professional Development and Education Chair