
My name is Odiri Akushe. I am originally from Nigeria but migrated to the United States when I was 15 years old. I attended high in St. Louis, MO, and I received my diploma in nursing with an Associate degree of science at the Union County College in New Jersey. After working in various units as a diploma nurse, I decided to go back to school in 2009 to obtain my BSN at the Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2011. In 2012, I started my MSN program with UT El Paso, and graduated with my MSN, FNP in 12/2014. Next, I began working at a family practice for a year, then I transitioned to working in urgent care. While working, I went back for my post Master’s in 2016 to get my ER-TRAUMA certificate. In 2018, I started a post Master’s PMHNP program, and then my DNP program. I finished my PMHNP 5/2019, took and passed my board exam in 8/2019. The journey to reach this point has been difficult but I have been able to persevere with much prayer, support from family, friends, cohort team and Dr. Meier. I have 7 beautiful children whom have not really seen much of me because of my school workload. I have worked in family practice, internal medicine, psych clinic, home assessments and urgent care. I am currently practicing as a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner since April 2020. My drive to pursue a career in nursing comes from my love for humanity.