Inspired By Personal Goals, Nurses In Essex County Earn Pins

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Growing up in Nigeria, Olusegun Adeniyi would watch his mother work as an auxiliary nurse, seeing people come in to the doctor’s office sick – and leave happy.

“I knew helping people like that was something I wanted to do,” the Newark resident recalls.

Adeniyi is one of 11 members of Essex County College’s 2022 licensed practical nurse (LPN) class, who received their LPN pins at a ceremony last month. The next step is preparing for the upcoming National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Adeniyi, who served as class president and earned the LPN Leadership Award, said he plans to continue his education after working as a licensed practical nurse for a year, enroute to a future career in pediatric and ICU nursing.

Other class of 2022 members, such as Onyinye Okafor, also said cultural experiences are behind their decisions to enter the nursing field.

“I’m Nigerian and it’s a Nigerian thing,” the Orange resident said, adding that she has multiple family members who are either doctors or nurses.

Bridgette Martin said she took care of her grandmother in Jamaica, which helped spark her health care dream. Martin earned her associate degree in general science from Essex County College in 2021 after working nine years as a certified nursing assistant. She’ll now be moving on to the next phase of her career as a licensed practical nurse.

“I’m trying not to waste any time,” the East Orange resident said with a smile.

“This class is mighty in spirit, commitment and full of energy,” said Gale Gage, chair of the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“They will need those characters and more in the nursing profession,” Gage added.

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