Working Lives

Working Lives: The Paediatric Nurse Who Has a Nose for Trending Merchandise

Working Lives: The Specialist Nurses of Nigeria

In this series, we bring to you the Working Lives of some of Nigeria’s most educated nurses. Let’s be frank, most us would not expect a nurse to discuss specialist areas of medicine we have never heard about. These nurses have qualifications in them! But as usual, it is their life stories that are compelling rather than the details of what they do at work. Delve in and discover.

Working Lives: The Paediatric Nurse Who Has a Nose for Trending Merchandise

 FUNKE BAKARE

It was my dad’s decision. I never thought about becoming a nurse. I was a science student alright but it was my dad who made the decision that I should study nursing. I said yes, took the forms, wrote the exams, passed and got in. I have never regretted it. I am very grateful to my dad. I really appreciate him for the guidance.

 

 Where are you from?

I am from Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State. But I was born and brought up in Lagos.

What school did you attend and when did you graduate?

For my secondary school education, I attended Fiwashaye Girls’ Grammar School in Akure. And then went to the School of Nursing, also in Akure. After that, I proceeded to the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesha. Then I studied for a BSc Nursing degree at the National Open University of Nigeria.

When did you decide to become a nurse?

It was my dad’s decision. I never thought about becoming a nurse. I was a science student alright but it was my dad who made the decision that I should study nursing. I said, yes, took the forms, wrote the exams, passed, and got in. I have never regretted it. I am very grateful to my dad. I really appreciate him for his guidance.

 

Also Read: Working Lives: Wannabe Architect Inspired to Stay in Nursing by a Grateful Patient

Tell us about your family?

My dad was a military officer and my mom was a businesswoman. She sold all sorts of things. I have 5 siblings and I am the first child.

Where do you live and how much is the rent?

I live in my own house in Meiran.

Where do you work?

I work with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board. When I finished at the School of Nursing I worked for a private hospital in Lagos, then along the line, I went back to the School of Midwifery after which I then came back to work for another private hospital before I got a job with the government.

How many hours do you work for?

I work for 8 hours daily, from Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are my off days.

What is your best day like on the job?

I work mostly with children then I do reproductive health services like family planning, seeing pregnant women, taking deliveries, and all of that. This is something that makes me happy. So, every day is practically my best day on the job.

Have you had any shocking encounter with a patient before?

No, I do not think I have had any shocking encounter. I am a nurse. I am always prepared for the worst.

How much are you paid?

I really do not want to disclose the exact amount but I get paid between N350,000 and N400,000 per month.

 

Also Read: Working Lives: The Kidney Specialist Nurse Who Trained in 3 Continents

How much do you spend in a day?

I spend about N2,000 in a day for transport fare and for my feeding while I am at work.

What other things do you spend money on?

I do not really spend much. Even the N2,000 I mentioned earlier, I only spend that much when I do not take my car to work. On days when I take my car to work, I do not spend so much. I am a family woman, so everything is basically at home.

For how long have you been practicing as a nurse?

I have been practicing as a nurse for 30 years.

Do you have savings and how much do you save in a month? 

Yes, I have savings and I save monthly. And it is an indirect saving. It is not like I save the money by myself. It is always deducted from my salary. They automatically remove N70,000 for the savings monthly. The Lagos State Cooperative Federation deducts the money. I am a member, so I have authorized the body to deduct N70,000 from my salary monthly.

Are you married?

Yes. I am happily married with 4 kids.

Do you have plans to venture into something else apart from your nursing career?

Yes, I sometimes get into different businesses. I sell anything that I know is trending, things I know people will surely buy when I approach them to buy. It might sometimes be clothing, bags, kitchen utensils –  anything, just name it. As long as it brings me money, I am good to go.

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