Johnson & Johnson People of Colour Award

Born and raised in Nigeria, my journey into the field of nursing began with a strong sense of compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. After completing my bachelor’s degree in nursing and gaining valuable experience in the healthcare industry, I made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada in pursuit of new opportunities and to further advance my nursing career. However, I soon realized that my previous education and experience in Nigeria were not directly transferrable to becoming a registered nurse in Canada. Undeterred by the challenges ahead, I was determined to achieve my goal. With unwavering dedication and a burning passion for nursing, I made the difficult decision to return to school for a four-year degree in nursing. 

Despite the four-year delay in the process, I remained committed to my dream of becoming a registered nurse. I understood the importance of formal education and the need to meet the requirements set by the Canadian nursing regulatory body. It was a challenging period filled with sacrifices and hard work, but my passion for nursing sustained me throughout. Fortunately, I got my license last year after completing my third year of study. However, I decided to complete my program after persevering and investing significant time, effort, and resources all these years. I am determined to see it through to the end. 

My experiences and education have taught me the value of providing compassionate care to individuals and their families, promoting health and well-being, and advocating for those in need. I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to the Canadian healthcare system, contributing to the well-being of patients and the community. Becoming a nurse is not only a profession for me; it is a lifelong commitment to serve others with empathy, dignity, and integrity. I am excited about the opportunities and look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I have the privilege to care for.