Dr. Rosemary Okova, a senior lecturer at Mount Kigali University’s School of Nursing, has built a career marked by commitment, faith, and continuous learning. Originally from Kenya, her path into the nursing profession has been shaped by a combination of early personal experiences, formal education, and a clear sense of purpose. Her work today reflects years of clinical practice, academic growth, and a dedication to helping future nurses succeed.
Her academic foundation began at Kenyatta National Hospital School of Nursing, followed by an advanced diploma in nursing and education from the University of Nairobi. With support from the Kenyan government, she pursued a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Manchester in Great Britain. Her strong performance earned her an invitation from the same university to pursue a PhD, which she accepted after returning to Kenya for a year of professional practice.
In an inspiring session on the Tusemezane channel, Dr. Rosemary Okova, a senior lecturer at Mount Kigali University School of Nursing, captivated viewers with her remarkable journey through the nursing profession. Hosted by Denish, the episode aimed to offer valuable insights and motivation, and Dr. Okova certainly delivered.
Dr. Okova shared that her decision to become a nurse was made early in life. At just 10 years old, she fell from a guava tree and spent two months in the hospital, where she was moved by the care she received. “That is when I made up my mind. When I grow up, I will become a nurse,” she recalled. While her mother wished for her to be a lawyer and her father a teacher, she was grateful that they eventually supported her calling. She attributes much of her journey to faith, stating, “It pays to fear God.”
When asked about the biggest challenge in her career, Dr. Okova reflected on the difficulty of knowing “when to call for help” when a patient’s condition does not improve despite efforts. She recalled a moment early in her career at a district hospital where she worked night shifts and had to cover maternity care without prior midwifery training. That experience taught her the importance of timely referrals and led her to seek further specialization. “It was a wake-up call,” she said, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in nursing.
Balancing her academic duties with nursing practice, Dr. Okova relies on careful planning. She sticks to the university calendar and her diary, ensuring that each task is scheduled and completed. Her approach is to “leave one day at a time” and to stop working once planned activities are completed, rather than when she feels tired. She also emphasizes the need for balance: “eight hours for work, eight hours for other activities, and eight hours for sleep.”
Dr. Okova expressed deep satisfaction with her career, stating, “I could not have done anything else.” If given another opportunity, she said she would still choose nursing. She believes that the profession not only teaches one about the human body and its diseases but also about the importance of self-care and the support of family.
Among her favorite moments as a lecturer is watching students pursue knowledge with passion. She urges them to use the internet wisely and to “pursue your dream.” As an example of lifelong learning, she is preparing to attend a conference by the East, Central, and Southern Africa College of Nursing, which brings together nurses from 17 countries. She finds inspiration working in an international setting like Mount Kigali University, where knowledge-sharing and collaboration are encouraged.
Though she hasn’t published a book yet, Dr. Okova is working on a paper titled “Working with student nurses in Groups,” which she hopes will develop into a book called Group Work for Nurses. She believes that group learning helps students share ideas, express themselves, and build research skills.
Living and working in a different country from her family comes with challenges, but Dr. Okova is grateful for the university’s long holiday breaks in April, August, and December, which allow her to visit Kenya. She stays connected to her loved ones, including her grandchildren, through regular phone calls and WhatsApp chats.
