29 – year- old Ossai Kelvin Okeke is a proud Nurse, and aspiring Gospel singer. The Anambra/Delta state indigene shares with Etcetera his experience in a profession that is conventionally considered women’s work.
Why did you become a Nurse?
Well, I became a nurse because I love to care for others. Then, a friend of mine in church got admission into Nursing; he encouraged me to choose Nursing, and that was it. I chose Nursing in my Basic program at University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and also in JAMB. Fortunately, I made it through POST UME by scoring one of the highest.
Have you faced any stigma practising your profession?
Yes, but those do not bother me. Of course I have faced a lot of it. It is funny how you would get to help a patient do what they could not ordinarily do and they turn and say “Thank you doctor”. Also, some ask questions like – Why did you choose Nursing? Why not medicine or engineering? Well, I have never thought of being a doctor at all.
Also, most female patients in Gynae and Obstetric wards tend to stigmatise male nurses. You see some making faces and being shy. But for the same procedure they will gladly allow male doctors attend to them. Well, these circumstances have never been a challenge for me.
In your opinion do you feel the profession favours your female colleagues? Yeah! Things are quite easier for the females in the profession. Caring comes more naturally for a female than a male. Some institutions prefer to employ only female Nurses. But times are changing to. We have males who have shown to be more caring than their female counterparts. But the important thing is that we are a team and our goal is to save lives and make living a better experience.
Can you share some challenges you feel are peculiar to male Nurses?
Challenges peculiar to male nurses are quite obvious! Most females in Gynae wards have not come to accept that there are male nurses trained and licensed to do the job which they too are there to do. They often do not allow the male nurses do certain examinations on them. Generally, there is a gender stereotype faced by male nurses. The public perception of Nursing as a female only profession is a challenge for the males in Nursing.
What are some joys you have enjoyed in your profession?
There is extreme joy in being a male Nurse. I find it simply amazing that I am a nurse. One of those joyful moments is when you are able to help a patient walk through ill health to wellness. It is amazing that someone can transition from being in ‘so much pain’ to smiling back at you and say ‘thank you’ once they feel better. Also, my profession gives me the ability to give professional advice to both the old, young, rich and poor and they listen.
What do you hope to achieve as the pinnacle of your career?
Well, I hope to make a difference. I am currently running a Master’s programme and I hope to do my PhD in no time and become a lecturer. But I am someone who can adapt to changes and I am highly flexible. So, my plans are in different categories and are mapped out based on foresights and professional and career demands and needs. I just want to be at my best at every stage of my life.
You love Gospel music, how do you join your career in Nursing with you passion for music?
I love God so much. Music for me is life. Apart from Nursing, singing is another way I can express my passion. I find a way to use my off duty periods to write and produce my songs and also go for programmes I am invited for, and this makes me a very busy person. It is just all about planning though.
Do you think that you may have to give one up in the near future?
(Laughs) There is a professional saying that “once a nurse is always a nurse”. I love what I do, I do it for passion and the love I have for it. I may give up one for the other. But my plans are not yet straight yet. Time will reveal all things.
What would you say to encourage men who desire to become Nurses?
Well if you love it, go for it. Nursing is a great profession. I do not regret becoming a Nurse and I am very sure they won’t.
Source: Leadersip News
ABUJA: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
PORTHARCOURT: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
LAGOS: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
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