As a colleague working alongside Jumoke on the oncology ward, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the kind of nurse she is. Caring for cancer patients in our setting is often challenging. Many of our patients arrive after visiting several hospitals or trying different treatments before finally reaching us, sometimes when the disease has already progressed. In spite of the heavy workload and the realities of limited resources, Jumoke treats every patient with patience, compassion, and deep respect for their dignity.

One experience that clearly reflects this happened when a woman was admitted with advanced breast cancer. She had traveled from outside Lagos after spending months moving from one hospital to another in search of help. By the time she arrived on the ward, she was extremely weak, frightened, and emotionally overwhelmed. Her daughter, who came with her, was also very distressed and confused about the diagnosis and what the treatment would involve.

It was during a very busy shift on the ward, but Jumoke noticed how anxious they both looked. Instead of simply continuing with the routine tasks of the shift, she pulled a chair beside the patient’s bed and began speaking with them calmly in Yoruba. She explained the diagnosis and the chemotherapy process in simple terms so they could understand. She patiently answered their questions and reassured them that the team would do everything possible to care for her. You could visibly see the relief on their faces after that conversation.

Throughout the patient’s admission, Jumoke paid close attention to her care. During chemotherapy, she monitored her closely and was quick to respond whenever the patient developed symptoms such as nausea, weakness, or pain. One evening after treatment, the patient became very uncomfortable and started experiencing severe nausea. Even though the ward was busy and the shift was almost over, Jumoke stayed longer at her bedside, working with the doctors to adjust her medications and making sure she was comfortable before attending to other duties.

What makes Jumoke truly special is that she not only focuses on the medical treatment, but she also cares deeply about the patient and their family as a whole. She noticed that the patient’s daughter was emotionally overwhelmed and worried about how they would cope with the cost and responsibilities of treatment. Jumoke took time to speak with her privately, offering encouragement and guiding the family toward available support services that could assist them.