Oludamilola Oduntan

I began the lifelong learning process of becoming a caregiver in February 2007, when I volunteered to nurse my 83 year old grandmother who had suffered a stroke. At that time, I was a fresh Nigerian college graduate trying to get a job. Eventually, I found a job that was incredibly satisfying and made me realize that I possessed an innate urge to care for and relieve the discomfort of a sick person. I also understood better how helpless an unwell person can feel. My Nan, who had been an agile, independent and do-it-yourself person all her life became so dependent and vulnerable. I frequently turned her so that she may lie in her favorite positions- most of which she immediately slid out of. I took care of all of her personal hygiene routines and fed her every meal. When she drew her last breath on the 9th of June, I was sad but found comfort in the fact that I was able to relieve her distress and create a peaceful, quiet and soothing environment for her to pass. This was the starting point in my career to love and care for ailing people.  

The health care needs of the society are very important to me. Due to my background in microbiology, I know many of the diseases that affect the common man today are preventable if more people know about conducting healthy lifestyles. There are many branches of nursing, but I am considering a focus in public health nursing because I am very compassionate, patient and enjoy helping people.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Careers In Nursing scholarship program helped me start out on my path to a promising career.  How else could a minority like me with a meager income afford the tuition at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ? The RWJF not only made my education possible but also helped me appreciate my bright future because the job security and increasing demand in healthcare professionals make the nursing profession more compelling.  

I have enjoyed every bit of my nursing education because of my wonderful professors and the many smiles and “thank you’s” that I receive from my patients. I feel very good because I am currently part of a program that provides me the priceless foundation for a fulfilling career.