The Quiet Courage of a Nurse in Nairobi
Nurses are often seen as the calm in the storm—steady, composed, and always on the move. As we sit at the waiting bay, we see them in uniform, their quick steps, the gentle reassurances, but rarely do we see the emotional weight they carry. Ezeliter Wamaji Magambo, a registered nurse in Nairobi, shares her journey and the challenges she faces daily.
A Journey Inspired by Family
Ezeliter’s inspiration to become a nurse began with her older brother, who is a doctor. She admired him deeply, especially during holidays when he would return home, and people from their village would come to seek medical advice. Seeing the respect he earned and the way he used his knowledge to help others made a strong impression on her at a young age.
She grew up in a rural area called Muhuru Bay, where healthcare access was limited. She witnessed women giving birth at home without skilled care. Some lost their lives due to preventable complications such as sepsis and haemorrhage. These experiences shaped her desire to make a difference in her community.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Ezeliter says her journey has been one of continuous learning and growth. “Ultimately, nursing has taught me empathy, resilience and the importance of advocacy,” she says. “One day I hope to open a health centre, well-equipped in my community, where people can access quality care.”
Her path has not been without challenges. One moment that reaffirmed her decision to become a nurse happened while she was working in the emergency department. A young woman was brought in with postpartum haemorrhage. She had given birth at home and arrived in critical condition. They had to act fast. It was an incredibly tense moment, but their team worked together seamlessly, and thankfully, she made it. Such moments make her feel discouraged, especially when there’s a poor outcome after doing all the right things.
Challenges Faced by Nurses
Ezeliter admits that nurses face a lot of work-related challenges. Poor leadership in the nursing department is a common issue. “Everyone at the top is just busy fighting for individual benefits, forgetting those he/she represent,” she laments.
Workload is another challenge. Many people fear talking about the workload because no one will listen to them, and for fear of risking their jobs. She explains: “In some facilities, it is one nurse to three to five patients, and in other places, one nurse can be taking care of up to eight patients for 12 hours, and you are not allowed to complain.”
Pay disparity is also common. Remuneration in private facilities depends on who hired you, as opposed to the years of experience. “You find someone who is just direct from school is earning Sh70,000 while you, with your five years of experience and all the qualifications, are earning Sh35,000 working in the same department. You are even assigned the most challenging situations because you are more qualified/experienced. But what do you do other than closing your ears and continuing with your work because you have no alternative.”
Handling Critical Moments with Compassion
Ezeliter has learned perseverance, handling critical moments with both clinical aspects and human compassion. “The situation is kind of weird and so scary because you are leaving an acute room after unsuccessful resuscitation, and you are expected to move to the next patient with a smile on your face, and you have to behave like nothing has just happened. It is quite confusing to us nurses.”
Building trust with patients is important because it makes it easier for patients to open up to you while on duty. “I manage to build trust with the patients I handle by listening actively, showing empathy and respecting each patient’s dignity and privacy. I explain procedures clearly, involve them in decisions and offer reassurance. I have come to realise that consistent and compassionate care helps patients feel safe and valued, which strengthens my connection, hence improving the patient’s overall experience and recovery.”
Changing Perceptions About Nursing
Ezeliter understands that people have varying perceptions about nursing, but she thinks most people are wrong about nurses. “Many people think nursing is just following doctors’ orders, but it involves critical decision-making, emotional support, and constant patient advocacy. People overlook the physical and mental toll it takes. I wish the public understood that nurses are highly skilled professionals who play a central role in patient recovery and healthcare outcomes.”
Advice for Future Nurses
Ezeliter advises those considering nursing to understand that it is more than a job—it’s a calling. “It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding. If you are compassionate, resilient and committed to making a real difference in people’s lives, then nursing will give you purpose, pride and lifelong fulfilment in the field.”
