I’m Temidire Alexander-Oke. I’m proudly a wife, a mom, a perioperative nurse. Yes, in that order! I really like staying indoors. As far as I’m concerned, very few things beat the miracle of sleeping. I hate boat rides. In fact, I don’t like large water bodies. And I really like the divine cuisine called ‘Eba’. There has to be Eba somewhere in heaven.
Nicknames? Lexie and HDL (Trust me, you don’t want to know what HDL means)
The story behind nicknames: Well, Lexie comes from my name-Alexander. HDL was coined by friends at Nursing school who adjudged me endowed at the rear. No more note on HDL, please!
Growing up was fun. Large family. Traditional Yoruba family. Lots of laughs and banters… Then Mom passed. Boom! Life changed. Incident probably influenced the decision to become a health care professional. Eventually became a nurse. Loved it from the start. Still do. I mean, what other profession provides such adrenaline for the purpose of saving lives? What other career affords you the pleasure of actually giving uncountable pleasures to new parents whose baby you have just delivered? What other career puts you in a place where you actually give people another chance to live and to dream again? I joined Avon Medical in 2014. The Surulere branch, Lagos.
I don’t believe nurses are wicked. It’s just a misconception. A nurse is a lifesaver. They are empathetic and kind. Perhaps because of the sensitive nature of the job, they maintain a strict focus while working, and this is often misinterpreted. I’d rather look stern and save your life than smile needlessly and let you die!
Well, it’s always wild and hard and funny when you have to deal with privates and patients are overly sensitive about it. I mean, it’s part of the body. So, please open up without any fuss. Will you?
I don’t want to quit. It is a passion. Maybe the day will come when the curtains must be drawn, but that day has not come.
I’ve the most amazing husband and kids. We are a people of faith in God and His love. So, they pray to Him for my protection every time. Also, they are quite aware of the risks in the health field, so they counsel me to always use my PPE every time. The coronavirus is not as virulent as perceived by many. Most people with strong immunity will overcome the virus even when infected. The society can help the healthcare workers by using their masks and observing physical distancing. Thus, reducing the person to person transmission of the disease.
Viruses and bacteria are part of the organic community. Outbreaks can happen at any time. However, disaster preparedness and infection prevention and control are key things the government and stakeholders must have in place always.
Anything I’d like to change about myself? Hmm, I’m quite happy with myself. But if you insist, I won’t mind having a few inches added to my height.
Explicit,straight to the point. It was a sweet read. Message received. Thanks ma’am.
Well done Lexie!