Celebrating our newly qualified nurses this International Nurses Day: Onyinyechi Omaba

This year for International Nurses Day, we are speaking with some of our newly-qualified nurses about their time as a nurse so far, and what made them want to start this journey.

Onyinyechi Omaba works in the ED at QEQM, having joined the Trust in September 2025. Onyinyechi completed her training at Canterbury Christ Church University and since then has been working in our dynamic and fast-paced A&E departments.

For Onyinyechi, nursing has always been more than a career. She said: “Nursing, for me, is a calling rooted in compassion and purpose. I have always had a deep desire to care for others, especially those at their most vulnerable.

“There is something profoundly meaningful about providing person-centered care without judgement, offering comfort, and being part of someone’s healing journey.

“What truly drives me is seeing patients come in distressed and leave with relief, knowing that, in some way, I contributed to that outcome.

“Nursing is built on selflessness. No amount of pay can fully measure the sacrifices we make-the long hours, the emotional weight, the moments we set aside our own struggles to prioritise someone else’s life. But in that selflessness, I have found purpose.”

The most rewarding part of the job for Onyinyechi is seeing the direct impact of patient care, and the fulfilment it brings to see a patient get better. She said: “A moment that stands out to me is when a patient arrives in severe pain, rating it 9 or 10 out of 10, and after receiving care, tells me they feel much better.

“That transformation, even within a short time, brings a sense of fulfilment that is hard to put into words.

“It’s also the gratitude, whether from patients or their families. Sometimes it’s a heartfelt “thank you,” and other times it’s being recognised by a patient you once cared for. Those moments remind me that what we do truly matters. Nursing is, at its core, service to humanity.”

For those wanting to become a nurse, Oniyinyechi’s biggest advice is to start with your ‘why’. She said: “Nursing requires more than skill—it requires passion, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. You must be prepared to care selflessly, to remain compassionate without judgement, and to understand that people’s lives are, at times, in your hands.

“It’s important to be mentally, emotionally, and socially prepared. There will be challenges, but if your foundation is built on genuine compassion and dedication, it will carry you through. Nursing is not just about what you do, it’s about who you are.

“One experience that deeply impacted me was caring for a fellow nurse who had become a patient. She shared her journey about how she once dedicated her life to caring for others, and how suddenly, she found herself vulnerable and dependent on care.

“That moment stayed with me. It was a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable, and anyone can become a patient. It reinforced the importance of treating every individual with dignity, kindness, and empathy, just the same way we would love to be treated. This is because the care we give today is the care we may one day receive.”

In celebration of International Nurses Day this month, Oniyinyechi said: “To every nurse, take care of yourself as much as you care for others. Your mental health matters.

“Practice mindfulness, seek balance between work and personal life, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your efforts, your sacrifices, and the lives you touch every single day. Even on the hardest days, remember you are making a difference. Today, we celebrate you. Happy International Nurses Day.”