Agnes Odupitan – stroke assessor working towards a career in advanced practice

After working on the Stroke ward for two years, I developed an interest in exploring the emergency stroke pathway, with an eye towards a future career in advanced practice.

I studied in Nigeria, qualified as a registered nurse in 2017 and joined MTW in March 2021.

My day as a stroke assessor begins at 7.00am with a handover from the night shift. The first task is identifying any patients in the emergency department who need assessment for suspected stroke. I then ensure that the Stroke Assessment Bay is prepared for any stroke emergencies that may arise throughout the day.

A significant part of my role involves managing the stroke ambulatory and TIA pathways, where patients who are well enough to go home return for review and multidisciplinary assessment the next day.

Dealing with stroke emergencies and delivering thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) is crucial, as it can significantly alter patient outcomes.

What I love most about my job is being the first point of contact with patients. It’s rewarding to make a positive impression and provide specialist care to vulnerable patients. The support from my team, which includes nurses and stroke consultants, makes the job at MTW particularly fulfilling.

For anyone considering a role as a stroke assessor, I say: challenge yourself! We are a supportive and social team. The role is highly rewarding, especially when thrombolysis is successful, making a big difference in a person’s life. We often receive positive feedback from patients and their families.