Usman Badaru becomes Rhode Island Hospital neuro ICU nurse

Usman Badaru immigrated from Nigeria to Providence, Rhode Island, at age 13, experiencing homelessness before rising through a charter high school to become a neuro ICU nurse at Rhode Island Hospital.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Usman Badaru transitioned from experiencing temporary homelessness at Crossroads in Providence to earning credentials including BSN, RN, CCRN, and AEMT-C.
• Badaru graduated from the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School (RINI), which was established in 2011 and has produced over 700 alumni currently working in the Rhode Island healthcare workforce.

Immigration and Early Housing Hardships in Providence

Badaru arrived in Providence alongside his father and older sister. “That was my dad’s choosing, he just loved Providence so much,” Badaru said, according to the article. Reflecting on their initial arrival, he noted that they had very little knowledge of local systems regarding housing and education. The family experienced temporary homelessness, spending time in a car and staying at the Crossroads family center on the seventh floor before receiving assistance to secure low-income housing.

Enrollment at Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College

After spending one year in public school, Badaru enrolled at the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School (RINI), an institution established in 2011. Following his sister’s ambition to enter nursing, Badaru pursued the same path through the school’s accelerated healthcare program.

“At RINI I got introduced to health care and I think a lot of the time people have ideas of what they want to be when they grow up and don’t really get the assistance in taking actionable steps towards that but RINI helped me take those steps towards healthcare,” Badaru stated, as reported by the article. Dr. Pamela McCue, CEO of RINI, described Badaru as a focused, kind, grade-A student who capitalized on every opportunity provided by the institution.

Current Clinical Role and Board Appointment at RINI

Badaru currently works the night shift at Rhode Island Hospital’s neuro ICU, treating patients who require intensive care primarily for neurological illnesses. His clinical credentials include a BSN, RN, CCRN, and AEMT-C. Alongside his bedside duties, Badaru has spent recent years mentoring students at RINI.

Most recently, Badaru was awarded a role as one of 12 members on RINI’s board of directors. “It’s like a mask came off the school and I got to see the internal organs of how the school operates,” Badaru said, per the article. Dr. McCue explained that in his new governance role, Badaru will help ensure the high school curriculum remains relevant, innovative, and reflective of current clinical practice while acting as a bridge to the broader medical community.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.