Meet Nomakhosazana Ndhlovu – Saluting our Sister as part of Black History Month

We spoke to Nomakhosazana Ndhlovu, Team Lead for our Sheffield Eating Disorders Assessment Treatment Team (SEDATT) about her role, childhood role models and advice for colleagues looking to progress in their careers.

How did you first get into your chosen area of work?

“My brother is a Psychiatric Nurse, and he suggested the career to myself and my twin after we had struggled in our second year of university doing a Software engineering course.”

What first attracted you to your current role and working at Sheffield Children’s?

“I enjoy leading and supporting others and firmly believe my personality lends itself to being a people person, so this comes with a lot of ease for me. I heard great things about Sheffield Children’s as an organisation and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, so it made sense to come see for myself!”

What did you want to be when you were a child? OR Who inspired you when you were a child?

“As a child, I wanted to learn – I know that much. I didn’t have any pressure to go into a specific profession from my parents, other than to get an education and be the best I could be and try things out. I was and remain inspired by my mother’s tenacity, drive and a love for community and people. What is otherwise known as “Ubuntu” in the Ndebele language.”

What reflections do you have on challenges and achievements in your role?

“Challenges in this role have been that it has taken time for others to trust I can do the work, that I am aligned with the same purpose as them. On reflection, in my 20 years of nursing, I have always had to push harder than my colleagues to be seen, to be understood and to be let in.”

Do you have any helpful advice for others that you wish you knew while progressing in your career?

“To keep going, to be bold in your quest for your belonging, to never count yourself out, and to always be your true self”