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Onyinyechukwu Okoh, Staff Nurse, Ocean View

What inspired you to become a nurse and what keeps you going today?

For me, nursing has always come from the heart. I have always been the kind of person people come to when they need someone to listen, or simply sit with them, and over time I realised I wanted to turn that into something meaningful. I have also always had a soft spot for people facing health challenges, which led me to begin my career as a general nurse.

Growing up, I was inspired by my mum, who has worked in the profession for over three decades. I saw first hand the care, dedication and sacrifices she made for others. Watching her showed me that nursing is more than a regular job.

Mental health, in particular, stood out to me because it goes beyond what can be seen. I realised that when an individual’s mental health is challenged, most, if not all, other aspects of their life are affected.

What keeps me going today are the small but powerful moments: when a patient smiles after a difficult day, begins to open up, says thank you to show they feel seen, or takes a step forward in their recovery. Those moments constantly remind me why I chose this path.

Can you tell us about a moment in your nursing career that made you feel especially proud?

Aside from moments when patients feel genuinely cared for, trust me enough to share their difficulties, or tell me how much they missed me during my days off, one moment I will always carry with me was being deemed fit, within my first six months in a completely new role, to support a trainee colleague.

Receiving that level of trust and positive feedback meant a great deal to me at that "challenging" time. Even while I was still finding my feet in the role and environment, I was able to contribute to someone else’s learning. It reminded me how much I had grown in a short space of time and reinforced my confidence as a nurse.

What do you value most about being a nurse or working within the nursing profession?

What I value most is the privilege of being part of someone’s journey, particularly at a time when they may feel at their lowest. Nursing is not just about tasks or routines; it is about compassion, patience, understanding and advocating for people when they cannot always advocate for themselves.

I also greatly value teamwork within nursing. No one does this job alone and being part of a supportive multidisciplinary team makes a real difference; not only for staff, but for the quality of care our patients receive.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a nurse?

I would say: if you have the heart for it, go for it. I don’t know if nursing is still widely seen as a calling, but it was for me when I began, and it still is.

Nursing will challenge you, stretch you and at times test your resilience, but it will also shape you in the best way. It teaches empathy, patience and strength in ways you do not expect, and it allows you to see life from many different perspectives.

While nursing offers many paths beyond the bedside, every role begins from the same place; the heart to care, support and make a difference.

Stay open to learning, be kind to yourself on the tough days and never underestimate the impact you can have; even when it feels like you are only doing something small. Stay proud of yourself and remember that progress is always one step at a time. Every significant achievement has small beginnings.

Would you recommend your job and Devon Partnership Trust to others?

Yes, I would. Beyond the resources associated with the role, one of the main reasons I applied was the opportunity to support meaningful living for others while learning and developing alongside a well experienced multidisciplinary team.

Although I am still within my first year at Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT), the experience has already contributed significantly to my growth - not just as a nurse, but as a person. I have felt supported and encouraged and I have been given the space to build my skills and confidence at a pace that feels safe and constructive. I feel secure within my team and genuinely believe they are among the best.

So far, DPT has felt like an environment where compassionate care truly matters and where teamwork and learning are genuinely valued. That makes a real difference, both for staff at every stage of their journey and for the people we care for.

Dicover more about nursing roles with Devon Partnership NHS Trust.