YSU nursing student Natasha Nyahalay Sombie honored by AdventHealth staff

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

For Youngstown State University nursing student Natasha Nyahalay Sombie, faith, compassion and preparation came together during her internship at AdventHealth in La Grange, Illinois.

Sombie, a nursing major set to graduate in May 2026, completed her internship at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth as a nurse technician, a role positioned between a certified nursing assistant and a registered nurse. The experience allowed her to perform a wide range of patient care responsibilities while gaining firsthand exposure to the realities of hospital nursing.

“I loved that AdventHealth is a faith-based system,” Sombie said. “Their mission is literally extending the healing ministry of Christ, and that really aligned with my beliefs about caring for and healing people.”

She was also drawn to AdventHealth’s Magnet recognition, a national designation that reflects excellence in nursing care and high professional standards. The hospital’s affiliation with UChicago Medicine further strengthened her interest in growing within the organization.

Sombie credits YSU’s nursing program with preparing her for the demands of the internship. Skills she learned in the classroom, including IV insertion, medication administration, Foley catheter placement and patient-centered care, were directly applied in the hospital setting.

“Pretty much everything I’ve learned so far in nursing school was what I was required to do during my internship,” she said.

In addition to coursework, Sombie said her involvement on campus played a major role in her success. A third-year resident assistant with Housing and Residence Life, she developed time management, prioritization and interpersonal skills that translated directly to patient care.

“In nursing, you’re responsible for four to five patients at a time,” she said. “Being an RA really helped me learn how to manage my time and connect with people, which made a big difference.”

She also highlighted the impact of student organizations, including the African-Caribbean Student Union, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Student Nursing Association. Through these groups, Sombie strengthened her cultural competence, leadership skills and professional confidence.

“Cultural competence is huge in nursing,” she said. “At the hospital, I cared for patients from so many different backgrounds, and those experiences at YSU really helped me understand and connect with them.”

Sombie’s compassion and willingness to learn did not go unnoticed. On her final day, hospital staff organized a send-off celebration, during which nursing leaders encouraged her to return after graduation. She has since been invited to apply for AdventHealth’s nurse residency program and plans to pursue a full-time position there.

“They told me they wanted to see me back next year,” she said. “That meant a lot and really confirmed that I’m on the right path.”

Reflecting on her YSU journey, Sombie said the university helped her discover her purpose.

“YSU helped me understand my ‘why,’” she said. “My purpose is helping people feel safe, cared for and supported — whether as a resident assistant or as a nurse.”

Her experience reflects Youngstown State University’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for meaningful, service-driven careers through hands-on learning and academic excellence.