Constance Ohanusi is a deputy ward manager at one of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation’ Trust’s wards at Basildon Mental Health Unit and shared her story to mark the NHS 76th birthday today (Friday 5 July).
She said: “As a little kid, I always wanted to be a nurse. When I was little, my parents bought me a toy medical kit with stethoscope and I always pretended to check their vital signs.
“My desire to become a mental health nurse grew when my auntie had post-natal depression and people around her deserted her due to a lack of awareness surrounding mental health and the stigma in my community, which often involves extreme prejudice and discrimination.
“I was the only one that my auntie could listen to and I later was in the hospital to care for her.
“I became passionate about breaking the stigma around mental illness and advocating for my patients and families in promoting and empowering them with their needs to support in their recovery.”
Constance has been a nurse for four years and said the best parts of her job are helping her patients through their recovery and seeing them leave the wards feeling better and happy.
She said: “Before joining nursing school, I had a finance background, so it was a big move for me and I am so happy I changed to a career where I feel I am giving somebody’s life meaning.
“I am so fulfilled and proud of my job.”
If you are interested in a career in the NHS, visit our Vacancies webpage to find out about the many varied roles we offer.
