Name: Olushola Awosika

Job Title: Return to practice student

Place of Work: Hospital & Trust: New Cross Hospital

When did you first become a nurse and where did you do your training?

I received my training at the Lagos University Hospital Nigeria and graduated in 1996.

What did you enjoy about nursing when you first started the career?

 Anatomy and physiology was my favorite subject and I was always amazed at the functioning of the cells, organs and systems. The intricate maze of the human body still interest me.

What made you decide to leave the nursing profession? 

I was managing my husband’s business, studying and looking after the children.

When did you realise that you would like to begin nursing again? What was it about nursing that you missed?  

I felt I needed to come back to the profession when I went on a community placement on the course I was doing,  it dawned on me that my experience as a nurse is needed and would be beneficial to the public. 

How did you hear about the return to practice programme, and what steps did you take to sign up to the course? 

I found out about the return to practice programme on the internet. I made an initial contact with the course coordinator to find out when I can apply for the course and how it runs.

Did you have any worries or concerns about returning to nursing? 

Yes, the placement was a big concern for me as in, where would I be doing my placement? How would the nurses react to a return to practice student? What would the attitude of the nurses be? Would I be able to relate to the younger qualified nurses and student?

How did you overcome any concerns about returning to nursing? What support and help did you receive? 

The attitude of the nurses in my practice placement was excellent as I was very nervous and frightened of how the whole experience would turn out to be. The ward manager on my placement and all the staffs were supportive and gave me the independence and courage to carry out procedures I am competent to do. They were patient to show and explain things I was not familiar with and tolerated my questions which they happily answered. I found them easy to approach and could easily talk with them as well.

How would you describe the moment when you first stepped back onto the ward again?  

I was nervous of all the new changes on the ward at the same time excited of getting back into my profession.

What has changed in nursing now compared to when you first started the career?  What are the benefits of nursing now? 

Nursing is conforming to the age of technology. One of the changes that took me by surprise was the use of Vitalpac for the recording of vital signs and other checks such as cannula site, nutritional assessment and so on. Nursing is getting more advance in its practice with the same token its fundamental/essential care is not neglected. Also nurses are coming out with a Bachelors’ degree instead of a certificate/diploma.

What would you say are the main qualities of a nurse?  How would you describe your fellow nurses?

To be compassionate towards the patients and have a listening ear.

What is your most favorite memory or story from nursing? 

Once I was working on an elderly ward and two ladies were fighting over a commode. One of them claimed it was bought by her son.

What is the best thing about being a nurse? 

The best thing about being a nurse is about being able to smile with a patient who was previously in pain. Being there for someone you had just met few minutes ago, to listen to their worries and they accept your re-assurance. The level/amount of trust patient have in the nurse is enormous this can also be challenging.

If you were to give someone advice who is considering returning to practice, what would you say to them? 

Go for it and you can do it. You know it’s a rewarding career.

How has your life changed since returning to practice?

Nothing much has changed just that my family routine has to be put back in place and realized how much I missed looking after my patients.