Meet Lola

Hear from Lola

Ololade Ibiloye, better known as Lola works as a staff nurse on Bumblebee Ward, GOSH International and Private care. 

I first started at GOSH in October 2019. I have been on Bumblebee ward for three years

I have always loved caring for people right from when I was young as I had to look after my mum when she was sick at my teenage years as my dad was not around. 

However, my turning point was when I was an inpatient in the hospital giving birth to my daughter. I had some complications whilst I was in labour and was amazed at how the nurses and the doctor managed my care, saving my life and that of my baby. 

Seeing my baby for the first time and being full of gratitude to the nurses and doctors, i really wished to be a part of this life-saving care. After my maternity leave, I applied to an NHS hospital and started providing lifesaving care too. It makes me so fulfilled.

After graduating as a nursing associate, I practised in the King’s College Hospital Trust’s paediatric setting for a while, and then the urge to learn more was overwhelming within me. 

I reflected on how to accomplish this which brought GOSH to mind as the best place to acquire skills and learn more. 

My value to always work in a reputable organisation was also met by the fact that GOSH is a world-class hospital and I wish to be part of this great reputation.  

GOSH had a programme where they promised to top up nursing associate programme to a full degree via the apprenticeship route, which is what led me to GOSH. This made me more motivated to apply. 

When I saw the job advert on the NHS job was I&PC, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to work with patients from all parts of the world with different complex conditions. 

I have had opportunities to work with patients with very rare conditions and complex needs such as conjoined twins, before and after separation. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with these patients at I&PC and at the same time top up my associate programme to a full degree.

Providing person-centred and compassionate care to patients gives me job satisfaction. Caring for patients through their journey to healing makes me fulfilled. Especially when they are discharged. It makes me feel I am in the right job. Therefore, resulting in a sense of accomplishment.

Even though, I live two hours away from work and this could be challenging, my experience at GOSH has been worth it. I&PC is a great place to work, as you can learn a lot and gain a lot of skills, you meet a diverse set of patients and staff and get to learn about their culture. 

You have the opportunity to provide holistic care as families are also involved in the care and there is a lot of opportunity for career progression. The ward is also very considerate when it comes to flexible working patterns. 

I would advise anyone who wishes to apply to I&PC to do so as they will not regret it!