Chinaza Blessing Uzo’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unrelenting determination. Recently, she made waves as the top graduate in Nursing Science at Evangel University, Akaeze, during its latest convocation ceremony
A Childhood Marked by Hardship and Resilience
Chinaza Blessing Uzo, is the third child in a family of ten, faced financial struggles from an early age. Her education was constantly interrupted due to her family’s inability to afford school fees, and she had to take up various menial jobs, including working on farms and selling okpa, to support her family. Despite these challenges, Chinaza persevered, always holding onto hope that things would improve.
From Struggles to Success: The Road to University
Chinaza’s journey to university was no easy feat. After initially attending Anambra State University, she transferred to Evangel University, trusting that her faith would lead her through the high tuition fees and financial struggles. Her belief in God’s provision kept her going, and eventually, she graduated with a first-class in Nursing Science, becoming the best graduate of her department.
Determined to Excel: Overcoming Setbacks in Her Academic Journey
Chinaza’s path was far from smooth. During her first year at Evangel University, she struggled with a carryover course and faced the challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined to achieve excellence. After discovering her CGPA was higher than expected, Chinaza focused her efforts and maintained a top position throughout her university years.
Overcoming Physical and Environmental Challenges at University
The conditions at Evangel University posed additional obstacles for Chinaza. The university’s harsh weather conditions and the physical demands of climbing hills for lectures were some of the physical challenges she had to endure. Nevertheless, she thrived in the supportive learning environment, which helped her recover the academic ground she had lost earlier in her education.
Choosing Nursing: A Calling, Not Just a Career
Initially, Chinaza had dreams of becoming a doctor, but after being encouraged by her uncle, she decided to pursue nursing instead. This shift turned out to be one of the best decisions of her life. As she delved deeper into the profession, she discovered a passion for patient care and the holistic approach that nursing embodies—addressing not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional and psychological well-being.
The Role of Empathy in Nursing: The Heart of Patient Care
Chinaza emphasized the importance of empathy in nursing, which she believes is a fundamental part of the profession. While some nurses may lack empathy, she believes it is an intrinsic part of a nurse’s character, which cannot be solely dictated by the profession. Despite the challenges, such as understaffing, nurses must maintain their compassion for patients, as empathy is key to providing high-quality care.
Mentorship and Challenges for Younger Nurses in Nigeria
Chinaza highlighted the lack of adequate mentorship from senior nurses in Nigeria, particularly toward university-trained nurses. She observed that while some matrons were supportive, others created unnecessary division by showing preferential treatment to nurses from schools of nursing. She advocated for greater unity within the healthcare community, where all professionals, regardless of their educational background, could collaborate as equals.
Improving the System: A Call for Collaboration in Healthcare
If given the chance, Chinaza would campaign for a more collaborative approach between doctors and nurses, where both are seen as equally important in the healthcare system. She believes that the superiority complex that some medical professionals may have toward nurses should be eradicated to promote a more effective and harmonious working environment.
The Power of Scholarships and Mentorship for Young Nurses
International bodies could play a vital role in advancing the careers of young nurses like Chinaza. By providing scholarships and mentorship programs, these organizations can help nurture the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. Chinaza hopes that through such opportunities, young nurses will gain access to practical guidance and further education to enhance their skills.
Future Aspirations: Public Health Nursing
Chinaza’s passion for nursing extends beyond individual patient care. If given the opportunity for further studies, she would pursue a career in public health nursing. Her dream is to make an impact in rural communities, especially in primary healthcare settings, and help improve health outcomes for marginalized populations.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Recognition and Achievements
On the day of her induction into the nursing profession, Chinaza was overwhelmed with gratitude for the recognition of her hard work. She received multiple awards, including the Leadership-Skill Award, the Outstanding Performance Award, and the Best Research Students Award. Despite facing adversity, including an attack by hoodlums just before an important exam, Chinaza’s dedication and faith ultimately led her to success.
Advice to Peers: Stay Focused, Work Hard, and Avoid Shortcuts
Chinaza’s advice to young people, especially women, is clear: avoid resorting to immoral shortcuts such as “hook-up.” Instead, she encourages them to acquire skills, start legitimate businesses, and find ways to support themselves while pursuing their dreams. Her own experience of working hard and making sacrifices helped her stay on track and achieve her goals without compromising her values.
