Fellow Nurses Africa || Nursing Spotlight 8.0 || June 23, 2025
In the heart of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, a powerful voice is rising from the Ijaw tribe—a voice that blends compassion, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to transforming nursing in Africa. Meet Ebiama Rejoice Tamaraeniteina, a determined student nurse whose journey is not just about caring for patients but challenging the status quo and inspiring a new generation of African nurses.
A Reluctant Leader with a Magnetic Spirit
Rejoice’s story begins with a surprising twist. “I hate leading,” she admits with a laugh, yet she finds herself repeatedly nominated for leadership roles. This reluctance hides a magnetic presence that draws others to her. Whether she embraces the title or not, her natural ability to inspire is undeniable—a quality that shines through her work and words.
Caring with Purpose and Cultural Pride
Rejoice’s decision to pursue nursing wasn’t a casual choice; it was driven by a deep sense of purpose. “I have always been motivated by the opportunity to be trusted by the vulnerable to nurse and care for them back to good health,” she shares. For her, nursing is a sacred act—a chance to restore dignity and hope to those in need.
As an African student nurse, her path is far from easy. Limited resources, long hours, and systemic challenges test her resolve daily. Yet, she persists, fueled by pride. “What keeps me going is the responsibility of representing my culture, values, and community within a profession that has the power to heal and uplift,” she says. Her journey is a testament to the resilience embedded in African nursing.
A Turning Point Through Reflection
A pivotal moment came when Rejoice participated in the Proud to Be an African Nurse contest. Submitting a video wasn’t just a task—it was a chance to reflect on her journey. “It pushed me to think about my values and why I chose nursing,” she explains. “Nursing is not just a job—it’s a calling.”
The contest also connected her with other student nurses, whose stories of struggle and triumph reinforced her belief in the strength of the nursing community. This shared experience deepened her commitment to making a difference.
Turning Setbacks into Strengths
One of Rejoice’s most defining lessons came from facing substandard working conditions—a challenge many nurses encounter. Rather than giving up, she turned it into a strength. “It made me realize that as a nurse, a part of my job is to improvise,” she says. This adaptability is a hallmark of African nurses, and Rejoice embodies it even as a student, proving that innovation starts early in the training process.
A Vision for a Better Future
Looking ahead, Rejoice dreams of a nursing profession in Africa that earns respect and protects its integrity. She is particularly passionate about tackling quackery. “Nursing is a profession, not a vocation that should be learned just like that,” she asserts. Her goal is to collaborate with fellow nurses to eliminate fraudulent practices, elevate care standards, and empower nurses to shape healthcare policies across the continent.
She envisions a future where nurses lead change, challenge inequities, and build equitable healthcare systems—a future built on integrity and action.
An Unseen Leader Inspiring Change
Ebiama Rejoice Tamaraeniteina may not seek the spotlight, but her actions speak volumes. She speaks out when others stay silent, pushes forward when others hesitate, and treats care as both a skill and a duty. In a world that often overlooks nursing as just a career, Rejoice reframes it as a movement—driven by empathy, resilience, and cultural pride.
Her story is a beacon for every aspiring nurse in Africa: You belong. You are needed. Your voice can transform everything.
Join the Movement
Are you a nurse or student nurse inspired by Rejoice’s journey? Connect with a supportive community of professionals across Africa. Join the Largest African Nursing Community today by clicking Join Fellow Nurses Africa Network and let’s build a stronger, more united nursing future together!
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