When Damilola Osho arrived in the UK in 2022, he carried with him a mix of hope, excitement, and uncertainty. Leaving behind his family, friends, and the healthcare system he knew, he stepped into a new world, one where he had to start from scratch and prove himself all over again.

What he didn’t expect was that within just two years, he would rise from a newly arrived staff nurse to a Band 7 Site Manager in the NHS. His journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and determination—a story that will inspire many.

For many international nurses, the UK presents great opportunities, but the transition can be overwhelming. For Damilola, those first few months were challenging—new hospital protocols, different accents, and an unfamiliar system made him feel like he was learning nursing all over again.

“I remember my first shift,” he recalls. “I was so nervous. I felt like I had to prove myself constantly. But I told myself, ‘Dami, you are here now. You cannot afford to fail.“

Rather than being discouraged, Damilola embraced the challenge. He studied harder, asked questions, and learned from his colleagues. He wasn’t just there to survive—he wanted to thrive.

A Rapid Rise into Leadership

Climbing the NHS career ladder often takes years, but Damilola’s dedication and work ethic set him apart.

• He quickly progressed from Band 5 to Band 6.
• Recognizing his leadership potential, he was soon appointed Acting Ward Manager.
• Just four months later, he was promoted again—this time to Band 7 Site Manager, a role that will require him overseeing the entire hospital site and making critical operational decisions.

“It was scary,” he admits. “I kept thinking, ‘Am I ready for this? Will people take me seriously?’ But I reminded myself—opportunities don’t come when you feel ready; they come when you’re prepared to take the leap.”

Asides being a nurse, Damilola is a professional saxophonist. When he’s not within the four walls of the hospital, he’s somewhere, playing the saxophone.

Exclusive Interview: Damilola Osho Shares His Journey

We sat down with Damilola to uncover the mindset and habits that propelled his incredible success.

FNA: How did you manage to rise so quickly in your career?

Damilola:Firstly I want to attribute this to God and the good mentors that God gave me. I didn’t plan on climbing the ladder so fast. I just decided that whatever job I’m given, I’ll do it excellently. I volunteered for extra responsibilities, stayed back to help my colleagues, and took every feedback as a learning opportunity. I believe leadership finds those who consistently show up and prove they can handle more.

FNA: What were the hardest moments for you?

Damilola: There were days I wanted to quit. Some shifts were so tough that I’d sit in my car for a while before going inside. The pressure was intense, and I had moments of doubt. But I prayed a lot. Mark 11:24 kept me going—“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” That scripture carried me through the toughest days, and somehow, God kept opening doors for me.

FNA: What advice would you give to other international nurses?

Damilola: Stop waiting to “settle in” before chasing your dreams. Many people think, “I’m new here, let me just take my time.” No! Go for every opportunity, even if you feel unqualified. Learn, grow, and prove yourself. Your background doesn’t define you—your work ethic does. Leadership isn’t about age; it’s about competence and confidence.

FNA: What’s next for you?

Damilola: I’m still learning. I want to help other international nurses believe in themselves and aim higher. One day, I’d love to step into strategic healthcare leadership—maybe even influence policies that support overseas nurses. But for now, I’m just grateful for how far I’ve come.

A Story of Hope and Hard Work

Damilola’s journey is more than just a career success story, it’s proof that faith, resilience, and a willingness to grow can take you further than you ever imagined.

For every international nurse who feels overwhelmed, for every young professional who doubts their potential, Damilola’s story is a reminder that your dreams are valid, and your hard work will pay off.

As he puts it:

“Your journey won’t always be easy, but if you keep pushing, one day you’ll look back and realize—you’ve come further than you ever thought possible.”