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What It’s Like to Be a Nurse in Nigeria – A First-Person Perspective

By Nurse Umar Rabiu | April 18, 2025

I wake up every morning before the sun rises—not out of choice, but because duty calls. In Nigeria, being a nurse isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, a commitment, and often, a test of strength. By 7:25 a.m., I’m already in my white uniform, reporting for duty at the hospital. There’s no room for delay—time here can be the difference between life and death.

The Daily Reality in Nigerian Hospitals

The work is intense. Our wards are always full, and more often than not, we are critically short-staffed. On any given day, I might attend to over 30 patients—checking vitals, administering medications, comforting families, and offering a hand to hold in moments of fear. Nursing in Nigeria goes beyond clinical care. It’s about being present, resilient, and compassionate in the face of adversity.

Working With Limited Resources

One of the biggest challenges we face as Nigerian nurses is the lack of basic medical resources. There are days we run out of gloves, syringes, or even beds. We improvise, adapt, and sometimes, all we can do is pray. It’s heartbreaking to see patients suffer because the system fails them. Knowing exactly what to do and being unable to act due to shortages—it hits deep.

The Joy in Small Victories

But amid the chaos, there are moments of pure joy—a newborn’s first cry, a patient regaining strength, a heartfelt “thank you” from a family member. These moments are the reasons I continue. They remind me why I chose this path, why I endure the long hours and the exhaustion.

Passion Over Pay

Let’s be honest—nursing in Nigeria doesn’t come with financial rewards. Most of us are underpaid and overworked, yet we stay. Why? Because for many of us, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a passion. Still, it hurts to be disrespected or misunderstood by the very people we serve. The public perception of nurses in Nigeria is often shallow. People don’t see the emotional toll, the physical strain, or the sacrifices we make daily.

Hoping for Change

Despite all the challenges—burnout, underpayment, the increasing trend of brain drain—I still love what I do. I love being the calm in someone’s storm, the healing hand in moments of pain, the silent hero in the background. Nursing in Nigeria has taught me strength, patience, and resilience.

Every day, I walk into that hospital with hope. Hope that our healthcare system will improve. Hope that nurses will be seen, heard, respected, and appreciated for the invaluable care and comfort we provide.

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Are you a nurse in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world?
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