Naomi Benson Usiade
From Nigeria to Touro
You have one of the more interesting backgrounds of our students. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Nigeria and grew up in California. I took a gap-year in Israel, and I learned about Touro’s Lander College for Women. I got accepted and came to New York.
How was nursing school?
Amazing. I learned so much; we had amazing professors that taught us the skills and imbued us with confidence.
What made you decide to become a nurse?
I always had this interest in healthcare and helping people—I feel like nurses are much more hands-on with patient care than other professions inside healthcare. We are with the patients at their weakest moments, and we are there to support them.
Was there an “Aha!” moment for you that made you realized you were a nurse?
When I see what I’ve learned in the classroom out in the field and I’m able to apply that knowledge, that’s definitely an “aha!” moment. For example, during our clinical rounds, we’re dealing with a specific case and suddenly, I say to myself: “Wow, this is what Professor Jones taught me!” Having that intuition of what you need to do based on what you know.
How important is intuition in the nursing profession?
Very. You must trust your gut and know that you can apply all the information you learned in nursing care. If you’re scared, you won’t be able to advocate for your patient and to tell their providers what’s going on
How important is it to advocate for your patients?
It’s extremely important, especially for those who aren’t fully aware or conscious. They are the ones who need a voice advocating for them the most.
What is your next step?
I’m actually going back to Israel for a gap-year to a seminary. It’s been a full four years and I need a break—what we learned during our mental health classes is that mental health is a vital part of healthcare, and we can’t overlook our own mental health. If you don’t take a break when you need it, eventually your body will take one for you, whether you’re ready for it or not. I’m going to seminary for a full year. My long-term plan is to become a nurse anesthetist.
