Welcome back to another Brains, Banter and Brilliance! It has been a scorcher of a summer so far, so here’s your chance to take a break from the heat, relax, unwind and meet another member of our team.

This month we sat down with Adaeze Okpue to hear more about how her love of nursing led her to case management. Take it away, Adaeze!

How and when did you first join the industry?

I got into it around three years ago now. I was working in intensive care nursing and had been taking on some extra community work when I started to come across reports from case managers.

They were something I hadn’t seen before but really intrigued me.

What was it about case management/occupational therapy that drew you in?

I did some research into the role and I thought it was something I’d enjoy – and because I’d been doing a lot of community work I thought it would be a good fit for me.

I like advocating for clients and helping people who feel they have no one to speak for them. I just enjoy helping people, really.

What has your past experience looked like?

I worked in intensive care for around 15 years after completing my degree in Adult Nursing. It was a sector I’d always wanted to work in because of how much I like helping people, but I especially enjoyed it because of all the extra knowledge you gained. It takes a lot of study which you can then use to help people in other situations.

How does Ben Holden Ltd compare to other companies you’ve worked with?

I love it here. It’s a very welcoming place where everyone is very supportive of one another and happy to help. It’s somewhere where you never feel alone – someone is always there for you.

What’s your career highlight to date?

One case that comes to mind is a recent client who had been homeless for a long time. He had suffered two broken ankles and needed help accessing both housing and rehab services. I helped him find the right social worker and the best temporary accommodation.

He has almost finished his rehab now and I’m really proud of what he’s achieved.

Let’s pretend I am your client, what approach might I expect from you?

I always listen to my clients and want to make sure they feel heard and supported through whatever challenges they face. I’m very approachable and am not one to judge – I just want to help them get the support they need.

If you could change one thing about the case management sector, what would it be?

The main thing that comes to mind is waiting times. It can be so frustrating waiting for things to get approved from partner agencies – whether that’s the lawyers we work with or the public sector. It can’t always be helped, but you just want your client to get the support they need as quickly as possible.

What was your dream job growing up?

Nursing is something I’d always wanted to do. I’ve always liked helping people and have been fascinated by learning more about the human body. My mum was a nurse and my sister a doctor too, so the sector is something I’ve grown up around.

In your work &/or personal life, tell me about your role model?

My mum was definitely my role model. She would come home from a day working on the wards and tell us stories about how she had helped people, and she always seemed so fulfilled and happy. It made me want to help people too.

What is your spirit animal?

That’s a tough question. I’m quite calm and collected, so maybe a dove?