Nursing, a profession known for its compassionate care and dedication, is witnessing a new wave of innovation driven by exceptional nurses redefining what it means to advance beyond the bedside.
These trailblazers are pushing the boundaries, seizing opportunities, and introducing transformative ideas that have the power to reshape the entire nursing profession with their expertise, creativity, and leadership skills to break barriers and drive transformative change beyond the confines of the bedside.
In this enlightening interview series, we shed light on the remarkable journeys of these innovative nurses, exploring their groundbreaking initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures, research breakthroughs, and advocacy efforts.
Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the stories of these remarkable individuals leading the way towards a brighter future for nursing, leaving an indelible mark on the profession, transforming healthcare and inspiring generations to come.
Name: Ayodeji Gabriel Owolabi.
Years of working experience: 9 years.
Location: Lagos, Nigeria.
What inspired you to pursue a career path beyond bedside Nursing and what motivated you to continue on this path?
At the early stage of my journey in Nursing school, I was privileged to listen to a nurse who said to us “Nursing will kill your talent if you permit, it will take the main part of your life”.
Those words were put in my consciousness, and media has been my interest from the start I volunteered my Saturdays to learn from people coupled with listening to Yoruba radio presenters.
After nursing school, on one of the days of listening to the radio, I heard an advertisement about a media school located in Lagos and I enrolled with my first salary.
I was inspired to start a radio show with my friend Josiah Jackson-JayJay that became a brand with the aim of redefining nurses’ image to the populace. I have heard and witnessed the malicious name given to the nurses by the public and I decided to make use of my media talent to convey a message to the public and also gather nurses across the country to showcase their talents.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your field of expertise and how have you been able to overcome them?
Media requires a lot of things apart from skill, setting up a standardized media outfit involves having a reliable stream of income.
Finance was a major issue as we had a lot of vision and convincing nurses to support was hard as they were not used to that kind of innovation.
We had to restrategize and also focus on our finances and today we have grown beyond a brand to a production company.
What do you see as the future of nursing and what must nurses pay attention to to be featured in this future?
The future of nursing as stated by my international Council of Nurses is that nurses partake in policy making, and are recognized as the backbone of healthcare, nurses engaging in health promotion to push the healthcare industry to the future they desire.
The question is what are we putting in place for nurses that are seen as the future of healthcare and what are nurses doing to feature themselves in this future?
The workplace environment and the populace’s view of the profession can be a major challenge for every nurse who seeks to build the future of nursing but we must know that the builder needs to be built.
what are you doing to place yourself in a place to be invested in, respected, valued, and protected?
Nurses need to see themselves in this future, nurses need to be innovative, and nurses need to provide solutions to healthcare problems.
Are you open to mentoring young nurses willing to go on the same path as yours? And If yes, how best can young nurses connect with you?
Yes, Nursesonair will be launching a mentorship training soon for all professionals.
For updates follow nurses on-air on Instagram.
Email Address: medianurse1@gmail.com.
Contact number:08061195926.
Other contact: +1 (347) 707-9348.
Name: Oluwatobi Adewumi.
Years of Working Experience: About 4 Years.
What’s your Nursing Speciality?: Perioperative Nursing.
Location (City, State): Lagos State, Nigeria.
What inspired you to pursue a career path beyond bedside Nursing and what motivated you to continue on this path?
As a student nurse that year, I was always drawn to the critical role that nurses play in patient care. However, as I progressed in my career, I began to notice that there was an under-representation of nurses in other spheres like management, leadership, research, technology and more. This realization sparked a curiosity in me and prompted me to explore the various ways that nurses could bring value beyond the bedside.
I delved deep into research, read articles, watched documentaries and made consultations, seeking to understand how I could leverage my nursing skills to contribute to healthcare beyond the bedside. Then, I discovered an exciting field that resonated with my passion for problem-solving, skillset in digital technology, and interest in innovation – Digital Health.
The more I learned about Digital Health, the more fascinated I became. I realized that this field was the perfect intersection between nursing and digital technology. I saw the potential for Digital Health to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, improve patient care, and enhance health outcomes.
Since 2019, I have been actively exploring Digital Health, attending conferences, taking courses, and collaborating with other professionals in the field. It has been a journey filled with challenges, but every challenge has only reinforced my commitment to this field.
What motivates me to continue on this path is the impact that Digital Health can have on patient care. As a nurse, I have seen firsthand the challenges that patients face in accessing healthcare, the inefficiencies in healthcare delivery, and the gaps in healthcare data collection and analysis. Digital Health provides a unique opportunity to address these challenges, improve healthcare access, and provide better outcomes for patients.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your field of expertise and how have you been able to overcome them?
First, I am not yet an expert in this field (laughs), still learning and growing.
One of the major challenges so far is the challenge of getting people (including healthcare providers, patients, colleagues and the general populace) to see the benefits of Digital Health. As a relatively new field, Digital Health is not yet fully understood by everyone, and it can be challenging to communicate its value to stakeholders, end users and healthcare providers.
What do you see as the future of nursing and what must nurses pay attention to so as to be featured in this future?
The future of nursing is exciting as it will feature numerous advancements in the profession. I strongly believe that the future is one where we break free from the stereotypic mindset and embrace the diversity of nursing specialities available. A future where we understand that nursing goes beyond traditional bedside care and that there are other areas where we can make significant contributions to the healthcare system and the world at large.
The future of nursing is bright, and it offers incredible opportunities for nurses to make a positive impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. However, only nurses who are intentional about holistic growth and development, expanding their skills, embracing a culture of innovation and problem-solving and leveraging digital technologies are the ones who will stand a chance of being featured in that future.
What advice would you give to other nurses who are interested in walking on this same path as yours?
For nurses who have decided to pursue a career path in line with digital health and innovation, the following tips will help you get ahead in your journey.
Expand your knowledge: Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Attend conferences, participate in training programs, and seek out mentorship from experts in the field.
Build a strong network: Networking is essential in any career path, but it’s especially important in the digital health and innovation field. Build relationships with other professionals in your field, participate in online communities, and attend industry events.
Develop a strong understanding of technology: In order to succeed in digital health and innovation, you need to have a strong understanding of technology.
Keep up with industry trends: Digital health and innovation is a rapidly evolving field, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on emerging trends and innovations.
Be creative and innovative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas that can help improve patient care and healthcare delivery.
BE OPENED TO LEARNING AT ALL TIMES.
Are you open to mentoring young nurses willing to go on the same path as yours? And If yes, how best can young nurses connect with you?
I am not currently providing any mentorship at the moment but I’ll be happy to offer answers to questions in this regard. You can reach me via IG @oluwatobiadewumi_.
Name: Isreal Opeyemi Fawole
Years of working experience: 5 years
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria.
Category: Nurse in politics.
What inspired you to pursue a career path beyond bedside nursing?
- Service
- Development.
I’m passionate about serving people and serving to see a positive change.
What were some of the challenges you faced in politics and how were you able to overcome them?
Some of these challenges include:
Representation: Ensuring that the voices and concerns of young people are adequately represented in political decision-making processes can be challenging. This requires advocating for increased youth participation and creating platforms for young people to express their views and opinions.
Bridging the Generation Gap: Young people often have different perspectives, priorities, and experiences compared to older generations in politics. Bridging the generation gap and finding common ground with other politicians and stakeholders can be a challenge. This will involve building relationships, fostering understanding, and demonstrating the value of youth perspectives.
Policy Influence: Influencing policy decisions as a youth representative can be challenging, particularly when faced with resistance from more established politicians or interest groups. It requires strategic advocacy, effective communication, and building alliances to push for policies that address youth issues and concerns.
Resource Constraints: We are faced with resource constraints, including limited funding and access to information and research. Overcoming these constraints and finding ways to gather and utilize resources effectively is crucial for the success of youth political initiatives.
Perceptions and Stereotypes: Overcoming stereotypes and negative perceptions of young people in politics is a significant challenge.
Some people underestimate or dismiss the capabilities of young politicians. It requires proving oneself through knowledge, competence, and successful initiatives to gain respect and recognition.
Institutional Barriers: Existing political structures and institutions may not always be conducive to youth participation. Overcoming institutional barriers, such as age restrictions, limited opportunities for youth representation, and bureaucratic processes, can pose challenges for youth parliamentarians.
Sustainability and Continuity: Ensuring the sustainability and continuity of youth political initiatives is a challenge. It requires creating mechanisms for mentorship, leadership development, and succession planning to maintain momentum and prevent the youth voice from being marginalized over time.
Addressing these challenges requires perseverance, collaboration with other youth representatives, engagement with stakeholders, and strategic planning to effectively advocate for youth issues and bring about meaningful change in politics.
What advice would you give to other nurses who are interested in walking on this same path as yours?
Here are a few key points to consider:
Pursue a Solid Education: Start by obtaining a nursing degree from a reputable educational institution. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and a strong educational foundation are essential. Consider furthering your education with advanced degrees or specialized certifications as your career progresses.
Gain Diverse Experience: Nursing offers a wide range of specialities and areas of practice. Early in your career, explore different fields to gain exposure to various patient populations and healthcare settings. This will not only help you discover your areas of interest but also broaden your skill set.
Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced nurses who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career. Seek mentors who align with your professional goals and can offer insights into your chosen area of specialization. Their wisdom and experience can be invaluable in helping you grow as a nurse.
Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in nursing. Learn to listen actively, empathize with patients and their families, and communicate clearly and compassionately. Enhancing your communication skills will improve patient outcomes, foster collaborative teamwork, and enhance your professional relationships.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Healthcare is a dynamic field, with new research, technologies, and practices continually emerging. Commit yourself to lifelong learning by staying updated on the latest advancements in nursing. Attend conferences, participate in continuing education courses, read journals, and engage in professional development activities.
Cultivate Critical Thinking: Nursing requires strong critical thinking skills to make quick and accurate decisions in complex situations. Continuously develop your critical thinking abilities by analyzing patient data, anticipating potential complications, and seeking evidence-based solutions. This will enhance your clinical judgment and improve patient care.
Prioritize Self-Care: Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. Take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing stress, and seeking support when needed. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practising mindfulness.
Stay Ethical and Compassionate: Nursing is rooted in ethics and compassion. Uphold high ethical standards, respecting patient autonomy, confidentiality, and dignity. Cultivate empathy and compassion for your patients, their families, and your colleagues. These qualities are essential in building trust and providing holistic care.
Embrace Technology: Technology plays an increasingly significant role in healthcare. Stay abreast of technological advancements and learn how to leverage them to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and improve outcomes. Embracing technology will position you as a valuable asset in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Be Open to Opportunities: Finally, be open to new opportunities and challenges that come your way. Nursing offers a wide range of career paths, including leadership roles, research, teaching, and specialized practice areas. Keep an open mind, be proactive in seeking opportunities, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to continue growing professionally.
Remember, nursing is a fulfilling and rewarding profession. By staying dedicated, continually improving your skills, and providing compassionate care, you can make a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. Good luck on your nursing journey!
Are you open to mentoring nurses who are willing to go into the political world and if yes how best can nurses connect with you?
While I can offer general advice and share knowledge, I can’t engage in ongoing mentorship or establish personal connections like a human mentor would.
However, I can still provide you with some guidance on how nurses interested in the political world can connect with professionals in that field:
Join Professional Organizations: Join nursing organizations that have a focus on policy and advocacy. These organizations often provide networking opportunities, resources, and educational programs related to nursing and politics. Examples include the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Attend Conferences and Events: Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops that focus on healthcare policy, nursing leadership, or healthcare advocacy. These events often bring together professionals from various backgrounds, including nursing and politics. Take advantage of networking opportunities and engage in conversations with individuals who share your interests.
Seek Mentors within the Nursing Community: Connect with nurses who have experience in the political arena or have successfully merged their nursing career with political involvement. Reach out to them through professional networks, social media platforms, or professional organizations. Request informational interviews or seek their guidance and advice on getting involved in the political sphere.
Engage in Nursing Advocacy Groups: Get involved in nursing advocacy groups that work on healthcare policy issues. These groups often provide opportunities to connect with nurses and healthcare professionals passionate about advocating for nursing and patient care. Participate in grassroots campaigns, write to legislators, and get involved in initiatives that align with your interests.
Pursue Advanced Education: Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in nursing, public health, or healthcare policy. These programs can provide you with knowledge and skills specific to the intersection of nursing and politics. They may also offer networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Utilize Online Platforms: Connect with nurses and professionals in the political realm through social media platforms, online forums, or professional networking sites. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your interests. Online communities can be a valuable resource for building connections and finding mentors.
Remember, building relationships and connections takes time and effort. Be proactive, stay engaged in professional networks, and seek opportunities to learn from those who have already merged nursing and politics successfully. Good luck in your endeavours!
About TNN
Trailblazing Nurses Nexus is a platform dedicated to highlighting the exceptional work and achievements of nurses who are breaking traditional barriers and advancing the nursing profession through their innovative ideas and unwavering drive for excellence.
Trailblazing Nurses Nexus seeks to create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about nursing and are committed to supporting and uplifting those who are pushing the boundaries of the profession.
Through our platform, we showcase the stories of nurses who are making a difference in their communities, driving change in healthcare, and inspiring others to pursue their own dreams and aspirations. We believe that by sharing the stories of these trailblazing nurses, we can inspire the next generation of nursing leaders and help shape the future of healthcare.
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