Marypeace shares her passion for nursing this International Nurses Day

William Harvey Hospital emergency department nurse Onoja Marypeace Onyema joined our Trust as an international nurse in February this year after qualifying in Nigeria in 2022.

Marypeace’s journey into nursing was driven by a passion for caring for people and making a difference in their lives. She said: “I have always been drawn to supporting others, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

“Nursing gives me the opportunity to provide holistic care, addressing not just physical needs, but also emotional and psychological wellbeing, while advocating for patient safety and dignity.”

For Marypeace, seeing the relief, smiles and gratitude from patients and their families when their needs are met, is the most rewarding part of her job. She said: “Knowing that I have contributed to improving someone’s health and experience through safe, individualised, evidence-based care is incredibly fulfilling.”

To others thinking about starting their nursing journey, Marypeace said: “I would say that nursing is a profession built on compassion, resilience, and dedication.

“It requires understanding, responsiveness, selfless service, initiative, and gentleness. While it can be challenging, it is also deeply fulfilling. If you have a genuine desire to care for others, nursing is a truly noble and rewarding career.

“One patient interaction that has stayed with me was caring for a patient who was feeling very anxious and uncertain about their condition.

“Beyond providing clinical care, I took time to listen, reassure them, and explain things in a way they could understand. Over time, I noticed a change in their confidence and comfort. Before discharge, they expressed heartfelt gratitude and said they felt truly seen and cared for.

“That experience reminded me that nursing is not only about treatment, but also about presence, empathy, and building trust, which can make a lasting difference in a patient’s experience.”

For International Nurses Day, Marypeace wants to remind all her fellow nurses how important and impactful their job really is. She said: “I would like to encourage all nurses to continue prioritising patient safety, delivering compassionate care, and striving to make a positive difference every day.

“Our role is vital, and the impact we make, no matter how small it may seem, truly matters.”