Meet our Sanctuary Nursing Team

First published: September 2024

Getting to know our nurses on a personal as well as clinical background is important to us. When you join the Sanctuary team, the sense of community that you get through building relationships with other nurses and your consultant provides a foundation of support and opportunity.

Kingsley, a AIN based in NSW, spoke about his experience working with Sanctuary and what he does outside of work.

Tell me about your background!

I am originally from Nigeria, and I studied a Bachelor of Philosophy before emigrating to Australia. I spent some time working as a missionary across the country.

I developed a passion for caring people during this role, and got to see people in different environments. I travelled across the country, visiting hospitals and in particular the elderly population, giving communal services to them in their sick beds. Here is where I developed a desire to help people at their most vulnerable.

What is your perception of nursing?

I don’t see it as a career, or even a profession. Nursing to me is a calling. I believe you do it to service humanity, in a full circle sort of way. It’s hard work, but its wonderful work.

Why did you choose to work through an agency and how does it benefit you?

I personally love driving, so I’ve worked in the Central Coast, Sydney and Wollongong and I pursued the idea of going beyond Sydney. I thought to myself, let me try going to Melbourne or Brisbane, so I was able to get shifts through the help of the lovely staff at Sanctuary such as Thabiso, Jess and Dan. The possibilities of agency work are endless.

What do you do in your spare time?

I spent two years in Newcastle and I was with a football team up there. I enjoyed my time there thoroughly. Soccer is something I don’t joke with, I’m an Arsenal fan! Back home, growing up with my family we always supported Arsenal and Chelsea. I also enjoy playing table tennis a lot. My dad plays table tennis and so does my siblings. Sport is definitely a whole family thing.

What advice would you give current and future nurses?

I will say one thing which is standout to me. You need to respect everyone’s culture and everyone’s personality. The first time I worked in aged care with aboriginal elderly people, through my Diploma of Community Service I learnt all about true respect. By using native language, you gage their respect and they actually love it when you do that. We need to respect people’s culture and personality, and their religion as well. I think these are the most important things to do if you are working as a nurse. You have to have this as a great skill.

To view the video in full, visit our Youtube Channel, or see it below.

Kingsley is one of our wonderful AINs who work gap filling shifts across the country. To join a team of inspiring individuals, contact our industry expert consultants today.