Ransom Onyema’s Post

What does it mean to be a foreign-trained nurse (FTN)? Hearing that phrase for the first time? Let me share my experience as a FTN in 5 Lines: 1. Moving from West to East Africa taught me: - ADAPTABILITY: I had to embrace a new culture, food, tradition, and academic environment. 2. Learning Luganda, the widely spoken language, to provide effective patient care gave me a firsthand experience of TRANSCULTURAL NURSING. 3. Serving as the class representative, I was the intermediary between the HOD, lecturers, senior nurses, and my coursemates (I couldn't skip clinical placement or classes). This taught me LEADERSHIP. 4. As the class representative, I was expected to know the answer to all questions and maintain my position as the top student. Early mornings became my best friend. I started my days at 2:00 a.m to study, which taught me RESILIENCE. 5. As pioneering nursing students at our university, we served as test subjects for curriculum adjustments. This taught me ADAPTABILITY. 📍 Fun fact: I had an uncle who constantly reminded me to focus on my studies and avoid bringing a Ugandan man home 😅 It's a new week! I pray your week is filled with God's blessings and favour. Stay connected with Gadima Love , your digital nurse 🩺, to follow my journey as I transition from a foreign-trained nurse (FTN) to RN in Nigeria. PS: Which line did you find most interesting?

Raising the bar. (Understanding Nursing standards for excellence) Just like every profession nursing also has standards that guide it. But unlike any other this is so unique. It involves how you raise the standards for your clients,colleagues,yourself and the profession. 🦋Prioritise people: It doesn’t matter your race, gender, nationality, or even religion when you’re under our care YOU are the priority. 🦋Practice effectively: We ensure that regardless of the situation we try our best to have an effective practice given the circumstance at hand. 🦋Promote professionalism: We work together to ensure YOUR needs is met hence no room for a daint to our noble profession. (Teamwork) 🦋Preserve Safety and trust: We manage our affairs and gain your trust by exuding great leadership abilities. If a someone care for you that’s love but if a someone cares for the whole world that’s Nursing. ®️Nr Tori🖤 This message is brought to you by the Nursing Image and Standards Support Initiative of Nigeria NISSIN🦋

Today marks two years since I stepped away from bedside nursing to embark on a journey of managing my own organization. This transition was both exciting and challenging. I am incredibly grateful to my husband for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead at Skystep Group of Companies. Leaving bedside nursing, a role I was passionate about, wasn’t easy. I wondered how I would adapt to the entrepreneurial space. Yet, through determination and the skills I honed as a nurse manager, I found my footing. Leading teams, setting goals, and driving meaningful outcomes have been rewarding in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Looking back, I realize that my foundation in nursing management and leadership was instrumental in preparing me for this new chapter. To anyone facing a career transition, my advice is this: excel wherever you are and seize every opportunity to learn. My dedication to growing as a nurse manager equipped me for this path as a nurse entrepreneur. Today, I’m proud to say that my journey has expanded beyond leading at Skystep. I’ve become an author, sharing my thoughts in “Why I Hate the Nursing Practice in Nigeria,” a book that has sparked meaningful conversations. I’ve also launched initiatives like ASK Foundation, COA Connect for Nurses, and the Nurses Reform Initiative, all focused on making an impact in healthcare. Additionally, I’m honored to align my work with the SDG goals and serve as the Abuja Lead for Giving Tuesday Nigeria. This journey has been filled with obstacles, fears, and countless learning moments, but above all, it’s been inspiring. I’m committed to helping nurses find their fit, whether in bedside nursing or by exploring other aspects of this diverse profession. Here’s to continued growth, impact, and the courage to step into spaces where we can make a difference. #NursingLeadership #NurseEntrepreneur #HealthcareInnovation #SDGs #GivingTuesday #WomenInLeadership

Indeed, life is a school, and we keep learning new things every day. Working in the Accident and Emergency Unit for a couple of weeks now has taught me a lot, and I've been learning and unlearning along the way. You may wonder if this is my first time in this unit — and the answer is yes. Throughout my years of training and experience, I've been working behind the scenes of medicine, saving lives through my analytical and clinical laboratory skills to aid in diagnosis. The A&E unit of any hospital has its unique features, distinguishing it from other units. Some of my colleagues call it "THE PRESSURE ZONE". This section is the first point of contact for patients arriving at the hospital, and it's often under urgent circumstances. The facility where I work is a tertiary institution that serves both Ondo and Edo states in Nigeria. I've seen patients and their families rush in, desperate and hopeful, ready to do whatever it takes to save a life, counting on the emergency team to do their best. I've also learned to work closely with other professionals (nurses, pharmacists, doctors, emergency drivers), doing all we can to save lives amidst the intense pressure of this unit. Together, we put our lives on the line each day in selfless dedication to others. This love for saving lives goes beyond the superficial; it's the kind born from selflessness. We don’t have to wait for a special day to celebrate healthcare professionals. We can honor them every day. ....Stay tuned as I share more experiences...: - Managing aggressive relatives - Encouraging those losing hope - Comforting those who have lost loved ones I'm embracing every bit of this journey. Indeed, life is a teacher, and the wise always learn from it. #EveryLifeMatters #AccidentandEmergencyTeam #Health

📌My real job is not my actual job. Nurses life,very fun and stressful I haven't really talked about my real job. I am a double certified Nurse (RN/RCTN) Although my BSN is still in view,due to my decision not to study in Nigeria again,for personal reasons. How can I pass through College of Nursing for 3years and still go for another 4years just to acquired a degree,that is 7years in total then add the strikes. You might not understand this logic if you aren't in the system,a lot of people do it,but I aren't one of them. Alittle good news to uplift your spirit,My specialization in Cardio-thoracic intensive care Nursing has been upgraded to a post graduate degree, So I actually have a post graduate without a degree isn't God wonderful. Outside the shores of Nigeria and some part of Africa,I get to study a year to get my BSN.To me it's worth the wait. I am sharing this little story to tell you about my Nurse life (which you don't hear often) and to let you know your decisions about your life matters,don't allow the outside force pressure you. Happy Easter my 1k + LinkedIn followers. Meeting me for the first time, hi 👋, I'm Linda Cardio/ ICU Nurse Project Manager, Content creator Social Media Manager etc... Follow 🔔Linda for more context content. ♦️What will you be eating today asides Rice and chicken 😂 ? #easter #celebration #linkedin #linkedincreators #motivation #Nurselife #Nursesonlinkedin

🌍 Calling All Nurses and Healthcare Advocates: What's Your Take on the Future of Nursing in Nigeria?🌍 As someone passionate about advancing nursing, I’ve been reflecting on the challenges and opportunities we face in Nigeria. It’s no secret that our profession has its struggles many nurses are overworked, underrepresented, and often overlooked in decision-making spaces. Yet, I know there’s a shared desire among us to break out of the status quo and create a lasting impact. I want to hear from you all: What do you believe needs to change in Nigerian nursing? What’s one thing you think would elevate our profession and create a better future for nurses and patients alike? Whether it’s improving education, advocating for better policies, or finding ways to innovate in our daily practice, every idea counts. This is our chance to share, connect, and inspire each other. What’s your vision for nursing in Nigeria? What are the barriers, and what’s your advice on how we can overcome them? Let’s spark a conversation that can lead to real change. Share your thoughts below! ⬇️💬

*SPECIAL WEBINAR ALERT Zambia Nursing Foundation*, We are excited to announce an upcoming *webinar* titled *"Nurturing the Nursing Profession"*. This webinar aims to enhance your professional development by covering essential topics relevant to nursing. Here are the key areas we will explore: 1. *Benefits of Nursing*: Discover the profound impact nursing has on patient care, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Learn about the rewards and challenges of this noble profession. 2. *Leadership Skills*: Strengthen your leadership abilities as a nurse. Effective leadership is crucial for providing quality care, managing teams, and advocating for patients. 3. *Networking Skills*: Understand the importance of networking within the nursing community. Building professional relationships can open doors to opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. 4. *Entrepreneurship Skills*: Explore how nurses can leverage their expertise to create innovative solutions and contribute to healthcare entrepreneurship. Learn about starting your own practice or healthcare-related ventures. Mark your calendars for this enriching event! We look forward to your active participation. Together, we can elevate the nursing profession and make a positive impact on healthcare. Stay tuned for further details on the date, time, and registration process. See you there.

𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 How can we truly connect with our patients in a world as diverse as ours? In today's interconnected world, cultural competence in nursing isn't just a skill—it's a necessity. As nurses, we are the frontline of patient care, often encountering diverse cultural backgrounds daily. Cultural competence means understanding, respecting, and effectively interacting with patients from all walks of life. It's about more than just avoiding cultural blunders; it's about genuinely connecting with patients, understanding their values, and providing care that respects their cultural beliefs. Consider this: a patient’s cultural background can influence their health beliefs, practices, and even their willingness to seek treatment. By enhancing our cultural competence, we can bridge gaps in communication, build trust, and improve patient outcomes. But how do we achieve cultural competence? It starts with education and self-awareness. Nurses must engage in continuous learning about different cultures, reflect on their own biases, and embrace empathy in every patient interaction. Institutions must also support this growth by providing training and fostering an inclusive environment. Reflecting on my journey as a nursing student, I've seen firsthand how cultural competence transforms patient care. One experience that stands out is working with a patient who was hesitant to accept a treatment plan due to cultural beliefs. By taking the time to understand their perspective and involving a cultural mediator, we developed a plan that respected their values and led to a successful outcome. Cultural competence isn't a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey of learning and adaptation. As we advance in our careers, let's commit to fostering an environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. Together, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone. What are your thoughts or experiences with cultural competence in healthcare? Let’s discuss! I’m 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐛𝐨, a 3rd year nursing student at Bowen University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. #DocXplorer #LinkedInNurses #nursing #healthcare #PatientCare #DiversityInHealthcare

Can you pay for a CPD session? Two complaints against CPD among nurses in Malawi (that I heard). 1.The content is not always suited for a Malawian context. 2. It's more focused on clinical practice. Nurses interested in research, project management, leadership and other nursing roles are not fully catered for on the platform. These claims can be debated upon but at the end of the day, CPD remains a personal initiative. You need to be personally interested in growing your career. Incase you think the CPD sessions offered inhouse(in our clinical area) or on the CPD Application are not suitable for you, try the paid CPD courses offered by different institutions. University of Washington offers a wide range of courses suitable for people in Public and Global health. The courses are affordable if you pay as a group. You participate in course work for 10 weeks and get your certificate thereafter. Would you participate in such a CPD opportunity?

Being a nurse in Nigeria is like carrying a heavy load on your head, with no end stop in sight. Everyone works hard, day and night, taking care of the sick and vulnerable, but the pay?…oh, the pay is like a small amount of garri - it cannot even fill the belly. When I chose nursing as a career, I was so passionate about helping others, and about making a difference in my community. But after starting practice as a registered nurse, my passion began to wane, replaced by frustration and despair. The workload is overwhelming, the pay is too little, and the respect is non-existent. We are like the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. We are the ones who hold the hands of the patients, who wipe their brows, who give them hope when all seems lost. But do we get the recognition we deserve? I liken the current state of some nurses in Nigeria to the proverbial "housegirl" who is always working, always sacrificing, but never getting the appreciation she deserves. And it's not just the pay. It's the lack of resources, the lack of support, the lack of appreciation. We work with outdated equipment, insufficient supplies, and with too few staff. We are like soldiers in a war zone, fighting a battle we can't win. And when we try to speak out, when we try to demand better, we are silenced, we are intimidated, we are told to be grateful for what we have. Now, with the UK putting Nigeria on its red list, it's like they are saying, "You Nigerian nurses are not good enough for us." Verification is on hold, and we can't even leave the country to pursue our dreams. The current situation is like being trapped in a cage, with no key in sight. We are like birds with clipped wings, unable to soar to our full potential. The government talks about brain drain in healthcare, but they don't understand that people are leaving because they are hungry - hungry for a better life, hungry for respect, hungry for a decent living. We nurses are not just leaving for the sake of leaving - we are leaving because we want to be valued, we want to be respected, we want to be able to take care of our families without struggling. I know colleagues who have left Nigeria to work in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and other countries. They now work in good hospitals, earning a fair salary and living a decent life. But what about those of us still here, still struggling, still fighting? What about our dreams, our aspirations, our desires? We need better pay, better resources, and better support. We need to be valued, respected, and appreciated. We are not just nurses, we are human beings with families, dreams, and aspirations. And it's time we are treated as such. So, as we celebrate Nurses Week in Nigeria, let us remember our struggles, our sacrifices, and our demands for change. We deserve better, our patients deserve better, and our healthcare system deserves better. We are the backbone of the healthcare system, and it's time we are treated with the respect and dignity we deserve!