Inspiring the Future: A Spotlight on Chinelo Loretta Akanihu

This week we're INSPIRING THE FUTURE by showcasing the hard work and achievements of Chinelo Loretta Akanihu, our Assistant Director of Nursing at the DFW-located facility Remington Transitional Care of Richardson. Loretta took time out of her busy day for a Q&A to share her journey into healthcare and what inspires her continued education.

Q: What got you interested in healthcare/skilled nursing??

A: I didn’t start off working in healthcare. Before coming to the United States, I worked in a bank. I then worked as a principal administrator with the government. When I lost my parents, as the first daughter, the responsibility of taking care of my other siblings fell on me, in addition to my young family. I spent most of my early life caring for my kids and siblings. I knew the joy caregiving brings to lives and the satisfaction it brings me. I want to spread it to everyone I meet, hence my love for caring for people.?

Q: Can you tell us about your professional journey to becoming a nurse?

?A: I started as a caregiver for a year, and when I needed to understand more about the care I gave, I went back to learn and get certified. I became a Certified Nurse Aide, and working as a CNA allowed me to do and learn more. I've worked in various settings like the hospital, rehabs, and skilled nursing. In 2019, four years after becoming a CNA, I returned to school at Grayson College to study nursing and acquire a vocational nursing certificate. The school offered me admission to the Assistant Director of Nursing school, which I accepted immediately upon graduation from a vocational nursing program. Upon completion of the Associate degree program in December 2021, I began working on my Bachelor's degree and will graduate on May 12, 2023. My goal is to become a Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) through the University of Texas at Tyler if circumstances allow it.?

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your career??

A: As a nurse, the most rewarding thing for me is the difference I make in the individual lives I encounter daily; this could be the patient, their family, or even coworkers. This career allows me to connect with patients and residents individually at some of the most challenging times of their life to develop care plans to help them succeed and get through those times. This is what we are called to do as nurses.?

Q: What drives you to continue your education and career development??

A: Career development through continued education is important as it helps you become better at regular assignments that might otherwise be time-consuming. It also allows you to take up new responsibilities that you once weren’t qualified for. Education also allows you to stay atop innovation in your field and advance your career.???

Q: Are there any influential leaders that have encouraged you in your career development????

A: There are quite a few nurses that I have looked up to in my career development, but the person that has stood out for me is Estella Massey Osborne. Living from 1901–1981, Estella was the first Black nurse in the U.S. to earn a Master’s degree and the first Black faculty member of the New York University College of Nursing. Well known, for fighting for racial equality in Nursing, Osborne paved the way for African American nurses to enter education and leadership roles.??

Q: How does Black History influence your career??

A: Understanding what Black people went through to be where they are today influences me to be better at what I do and acquire more knowledge through education to improve my career. Reading about Black nurses and the achievements they made through different fights they fought for those achievements makes me know that once you are focused on achieving a goal, you will accomplish it.?

Q: Why do you think it's important to celebrate Black History Month??

A: Celebrating Black History Month offers me an opportunity to understand Black stories, uplift Black voices, and celebrate those who have made an impact on history and my culture. It’s a time to remind ourselves that, “we matter,” I am recognized, and it helps to create room for inclusion.??

Q: What is something that people don’t know about you?

A: I am a very teachable person. Learning occurs with every encounter and I am always open to improvement and changes.??