Benjamin Olusola Otenaike
MSc Nursing (Adult)
The best part of the job is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Nurses are able to form meaningful connections with patients and family. We have the opportunity to be involved in the most challenging times of people’s lives. We’re not only providing medical care, but also emotional support.
Nursing is noble and rewarding. It’s not a profession for everybody, but if you’re empathetic, compassionate about people, and want to make a positive difference and impact in peoples’ lives, then nursing would be a great path for you.
As a nurse, I know I will be making a big difference and a positive impact in people’s lives. Nurses play a crucial part in the care of patients, from the moment they become ill until the moment they become better. To be one of the professionals who try to ensure the patient leaves in a better way than when they came into my care gives me great joy.
We know our patients better than any other professionals. Speaking up for my patients where they lack the capacity reminds me that nurses are very important in patients’ lives. We don’t just come into patients’ lives and then disappear – we’re involved in every step of our patients’ care.
The best part of the job is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Nurses are able to form meaningful connections with patients and family. We have the opportunity to be involved in the most challenging times of people’s lives. We’re not only providing medical care, but also emotional support.
In nursing, no two days are ever the same – you’ll never be bored. Nursing provides an array of specialities that you can delve into. You’re always assured of continuous learning which makes nursing unique –It isn’t a walk in the park, but in the end, when you look back on the great difference and the positive impact you make in people’s lives and the smiles you put on the faces of your patients, you’ll be glad you did take up the challenge of being a nurse. I can walk with my shoulders up and say ‘Yes, I’m a Nurse.’
As a student nurse, you’re not allowed to make major decisions about patients, but expectation is high. I enjoyed the hands-on learning with experienced nurses and healthcare assistants. I also loved the fact that it was not long before many of the patients I cared for knew me and appreciated the help and care I provided for them.
My placements have really challenged me. I fixed a male catheter; fed patients with an NG Tube; administered medications with the help and supervision of my Practice Assessor; observed venepuncture and blood transfusions; collected blood from patients; learnt about lumbar draining; learnt how to find the pedal pulse; did bladder scans; and observed suctioning. These are just a few of the things I learnt and performed during my placement.
Edge Hill has a great reputation for teaching and learning. Before applying I researched the course, and spoke with people with experience of the University. I discovered that the facilities are modern, and everybody is willing to help you.
Edge Hill University impressed me with the beauty of its campus, and the fact that its facilities are in one place. Amazing. When I was looking for a university to study for my Masters programme, I visited four universities. As a customer experience, Edge Hill University communicated with me in a prompt manner, and didn’t leave me in the dark. Every step in the application process was clear, and they were always willing to help me as well as providing clarity on my concerns. This was a big deal for me.
My favourite place on campus is The Catalyst, home to the library and student support services. The building itself is magnificent. Each time I enter, I find myself admiring its aesthetics. Whenever I’m there, I feel relaxed, and the help desk is always ready to provide a solution to your challenges.
A placement provided the most memorable moment of my degree. A patient talked about me to her family members. After that they were thankful and happy anytime I was on shift caring for her. I remember her saying, “Benjamin, you’d be a great nurse, but make sure you don’t ever lose your smile, because you’ve got a wonderful smile”.
The immense help and care we get from lecturers and other staff is my favourite thing about Edge Hill University I also love the University’s environment – it’s beautiful and highly conducive to learning. It’s on the outskirts of town, around the countryside, which makes it alluring.
I love nature. I often find myself walking in the park, or sitting by the beach. Every year I travel to an unfamiliar place, to get some rest. This always improves my mental health, and is very refreshing. The last place I went was Santorini in Greece. It’s a beautiful place. Great weather, breathtaking views, and the black and red beaches were amazing. It was nice travelling to enjoy a lot of vitamin D, with beautiful scenery away from the gloomy UK winter. I’d love to go on a cruise next.
I’ve started thinking about how we improve the nursing profession in the 21st century. I want to use my expertise and valuable skills to contribute to the body of knowledge in the nursing profession. How do we ensure that our nurses are well cared for, in the same way we care for our patients? This is part of what I’d like to work on in the future.
Best career advice? Continue learning, and never give up on anything, no matter the challenges. It’s preparing me for the future. I’d like to be an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and also at some point, I’d like to apply my management skills to lead positive change in the nursing profession. Also, take every opportunity that comes your way. Never restrict yourself, open your mind to learning new things, and the sky is going to be your limit.
My parents are my heroes. They invested in me, giving me that first opportunity to experience life and education. If they’d not encouraged me to bag my first degree, then I wouldn’t be here, able to progress by doing a Masters in Nursing at Edge Hill University.