York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Eve Odiwe, Practice Education Facilitator, in her work uniform.

Practice Education Facilitator, York Hospital

Hello, I'm Eve Odiwe, Practice Education Facilitator at York Hospital.

Tell us about your role

I am responsible for ensuring our non-medical undergraduate students have a safe and effective practice learning environment when they're on placement with our Trust.

This includes making sure our nurses have the training they need to develop their clinical practice skills and progress their careers. I signpost to learning and development opportunities and support them when they are studying on a placement at the hospital, making sure the placement is right for them.

I work closely with local universities such as York St John University. My role is essentially about helping nurses to fulfil their potential.

How long have you worked at the Trust, and why do you like it?

Three years and four months. I first worked as an Adult Nurse then applied for this job because I am passionate about inspiring and educating others. I've been in my current role for 18 months.

I love seeing students and newly qualified nurses thrive. It is so rewarding when they fulfil their potential and progress well, especially as this promotes great patient care.

I also believe there is also room for me to grow professionally and progress my own career and skills. The team I work in is very supportive and I feel that I can develop at this Trust.

Are there any special moments you have experienced at work?

When I receive feedback from my colleagues saying that I’m doing a good job, and people thank me for helping to make a difference. For example, I have presented in front of a room full of my peers, which was very nerve-wracking, but they gave me a round of applause at the end. That meant a lot and gave me the confidence to do more presenting and speaking.

Do you have a role model within the Trust, and why?

My Ward Sister was fantastic when I joined the Trust. Moving to a new country and starting a new job in a new place was a lot to take on in one go, and she was extremely supportive. I hope that I have been able to model this kind of supportive behaviour and attitude for the people I work with now.

You have supported the Trust's work to mark this year's #BlackHistoryMonth. Why was that important to you?

I come from the eastern part of Nigeria, and I will always value and be proud of my country’s culture and values. I saw Black History Month as an avenue to share these values with others across the Trust, and to share my experiences of coming to the UK and beginning my career in the NHS. Relocating to the UK has been very rewarding, and I hope others find it just as rewarding as I have.