Nursing is often described as a profession driven by passion, compassion, and purpose. However, not every journey into nursing begins with a clear calling — sometimes, purpose is discovered along the way.
In this personal reflection, Solomon Julius Dauda, a proud Nurse from the southern part of Kaduna, shares his inspiring journey from reluctant nursing student to passionate caregiver. Battling societal stereotypes and embracing the true essence of empathy, he reminds us that in nursing, it’s not just about the title — it’s about the heart behind the care.
Here is his story:
When I first gained admission to study nursing, I didn’t have the innate passion many associate with the profession. My primary focus was on excelling academically, driven by a strong desire for excellence and the determination to cope with the ups and downs that came with it.
However, everything changed when I began my clinical rotations. Witnessing the overwhelming health needs of the masses and understanding the true essence of holistic care shifted my perspective. It was then I realized: I wasn’t just striving to be a caregiver — I was born to be one. Today, I embrace that calling fully and am committed to making a difference through it.
Despite societal and cultural stereotypes that often label nursing as a “female profession,” I have encountered my fair share of resistance and even humor, from friends and strangers alike — sometimes in playful remarks like, “Aunty Julius, Aunty Nurse
Learning about the rich history of male nurses, spanning over four decades, strengthened my resilience against both intentional and unintentional jabs.
As the saying goes, “When you stop learning, you start dying,” and that wisdom has kept me hungry for more. I refuse to be satisfied with my current academic achievements. I am eager to specialize in various fields within nursing, broadening my skillset and deepening my impact”.
”Male nurses bring unique strengths to the profession — from empathetic listening to gentle, attentive care. Though we face challenges, our resolve to alleviate suffering remains unwavering. At the heart of nursing lies empathy, and that empathy drives everything we do.
I consider it a great privilege to serve humanity as a nurse — offering comfort to newborns, healing to those in pain, and peace to those at life’s end. I am proud to be called a nurse — not a doctor, not a pharmacist — but a dedicated professional fueled by compassion and a relentless desire to make a difference.
I am Nurse Julius (Male_Nurse).
Solomon Julius Dauda is a Registered Nurse from Southern Kaduna, Nigeria. He is passionate about holistic healthcare and challenging stereotypes in nursing.
