“Maybe one day I will be Chief Nursing Officer somewhere – in this career, I can fly high”

To celebrate International Nurses Day 2025, specialist research nurse Rhoda Odeyemi explains why she loves her job

Rhoda began her work in Portsmouth Research Hub at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hundreds of local people came forward to help with the development of a vaccine against the virus.

Leaving home and family in Nigeria to arrive in the UK at such a time of crisis was a baptism of fire, but Rhoda was humbled and amazed by the volunteers who willingly came forward to take part.

“This was my first experience of the UK community – all these people coming into the hub, keen to help with the search for a vaccine, and a way out of lockdown. It was a totally different aspect to nursing for me. I was used to the patient really needing me. This time, it was us, the nurses, who really needed the volunteers. Everything depended on them.”

Rhoda relishes the extra time she gets with participants in her role as a specialist research nurse. “They love to chat to me about their lives, and they really value this human connection. It’s giving me a whole new perspective on nursing, and my compassion can really come out. I listen, and give them my time. For me, this is the best part of my role.”

In Nigeria, Rhoda studied for her nursing degree at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). She then worked as a school nurse before crossing into the Emergency Department, followed by midwifery. Once in the UK, she very quickly passed her OSCE exam to work in Portsmouth Hospitals’ oncology department.

As a research nurse in Portsmouth, Rhoda has worked across a whole range of studies, in a variety of specialisms. Most recently she has been involved in the Nova 301 Trial, looking to develop a vaccine for norovirus. “We’ve had people in their 70s and 80s coming forward to take part – they want to do good, and help make life better for others. It shows the inherent good in us humans, which is just fantastic to see.”

Working in the UK has not been without its challenges. “The first thing that hit me was the cold. Even in summer people say, ‘it’s so hot,’ and I think, no this isn’t hot!” She struggled with people being unable to understand her accent, and the very different food. “Part of me will always miss home, family and friends. But I’ve had opportunities here I would never have had in Nigeria. I can branch out, spread my wings and fly.”

Rhoda has found her true love in research.  “You don’t have to be at the bedside to make a difference. As a research nurse, I use all of my skills, and all of my experience to contribute to the future of healthcare.”

She has ambitions for her own future, and would like to study for a Masters in Clinical Research.

“I have a solid base thanks to all my teachers, mentors, leaders and colleagues – with all this experience and depth of insight, I can fly high. Maybe one day I might even be the Chief Nursing Officer somewhere. Nursing is such a versatile career, there are so many directions you can go in.”