By Casssiedy Galang
Let me tell you the story of Joana Parsons. At 33, she’s a nurse, a mother, and a caretaker in every sense of the word. But before she put on those scrubs, she was just a little girl watching her father recover from surgery after surgery, witnessing his nurses not only treat a body but care for the whole person. That’s when she knew what she wanted to do in the future: “to become a nurse so that I could help take care of him as he aged.”
Her story is more than medicine. It’s about compassion, strength, and how she brings laughter, empathy, and purpose to those who often feel invisible.
Joana grew up differently from many kids her age. Her mother was 39 and her father 55 when she was born, so their lives were already at very different stages. She watched her father endure multiple joint replacements, and that experience deeply shaped her. Seeing the nurses care for him inspired her to become a nurse herself, so that one day she could offer the same kind of compassionate care.
But it wasn’t just one moment that defined her. It was her entire childhood, filled with love, understanding, and the freedom to be her authentic self. “I was allowed to live a life with no creative limitations, no suffocating restrictions, and no unfair punishments. I was forgiven for accidents, and in fact, never even blamed or yelled at for them in the first place. I was taught that intentions matter, family matters, and love matters. I think that shaped who I am as a person more than any one memory could.”
It wasn’t until nursing school, during a clinical rotation, that her career became more than a job. “The moment I connected with a patient who was blind, alone, and scared—and saw how my presence brought them peace—solidified my calling.”
That moment transformed her. “It stopped being about medical tasks, and became about human connection.”
Now, she pours that same compassion into every part of her life. Her two sons, ages 10 and 3, her husband, her sister, and her parents form a big part of her world. Even as her nursing career has shifted—from bedside care, to the burnout and heavy days of the pandemic—her mindset has never changed: to make others feel heard, valued, and loved.
Especially in geriatric care, where patients can often feel invisible, Joana hopes her legacy will be warmth and purpose. “That I helped others feel seen, valued, and loved. That I made people laugh, feel safe, and believe in themselves—even on the hard days.”
Like many in healthcare, she faced enormous stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There were so many days when the emotional toll was overwhelming, especially with the rising number of deaths. But thinking about the patients who needed someone to advocate for them, to give them quality care—and the little moments of gratitude and trust they gave in return—kept me going.”
Now at 33, she reflects on how much she has changed. “I’ve become more grounded and grateful. Nursing has taught me that life is fragile and moments matter. I now live with more intentionality, both personally and professionally.” From bedtime stories on the farm to bedside talks in a hospital room, she carries that lesson with her.
Her daily routine reflects that balance: mornings spent caring for animals and her children, workdays devoted to solving patient needs, and evenings reserved for sacred family time at the dinner table. And whenever she needs to recharge, she goes outside. “It’s amazing what a breath of fresh air can do to help you reset. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. I also keep little reminders of my ‘why’ around my workspace—pictures of my family, notes from patients, and quotes that keep me grounded.”
Behind her quiet strength is deep emotional labor that often goes unnoticed. “People don’t realize the emotional labor behind what I do. Whether it’s caring for patients and their families, supporting other healthcare professionals, or juggling my personal life as a mom—there’s constant mental and emotional balancing. It’s deeply fulfilling, but it takes a lot of unseen strength.”
Looking ahead, Joana is working toward leadership roles that allow her to teach others, advocate for patients, and improve communication in healthcare. Personally, she dreams of expanding her farm, creating a nature-filled childhood for her boys, and caring for her animals both big and small.
In five years, she hopes to be guiding others while balancing her purpose with peace. “I hope they see that compassion and connection can change lives. Even small gestures can leave a lasting impact. I want people to remember that kindness matters—always.”
For Joana, success isn’t measured by awards or promotions. It’s measured in happiness—hers and her family’s. If she could tell her younger self one thing, it would be: “Trust yourself more. You’re stronger than you think, and it’s okay to take a different path than the one you imagined. Keep your heart open and your purpose clear—everything will fall into place.”
And maybe that’s what makes her story so meaningful. It’s not just about her triumphs or sacrifices, but about the kindness that shines through it all. In a world that often forgets the power of gentle strength, she is proof that compassion isn’t just a trait—it’s a legacy. And I hope her story inspires you as much as it inspired me.
