Victoria Bangura’s professional journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and the pursuit of purpose. As a registered nurse, she found her calling in an unexpected place: research. Her experiences with CARES and CRADLE Smart have not only shaped her career but also deepened her commitment to improving healthcare for mothers and children.
Bangura’s story begins in an unlikely setting. Before diving into healthcare and research, she supported her mother in running a school. This experience honed her skills in administrative leadershipcoordination and problem-solving which would later prove invaluable in her research career. “I didn’t initially realise how much these skills would translate into healthcare and research,” Bangura reflects.
CARES: A journey of growth and relationships
Joining the CARES team marked a significant turning point in Bangura’s career. As a data collector, she brought her nursing background into a new environment, engaging in participant recruitment, informed consent, clinical observations, and more. However, it was the relationships she built that left the most profound impact.
“Research is ultimately about people,” Bangura emphasizes. She found that building trust with patients, parents, guardians, and hospital staff was one of the most meaningful aspects of her work. These relationships often extended beyond the project, with former participants and their families keeping in touch to share updates and well-wishes.
A visit that changed everything
One memorable experience involved a participant who was due for a final study visit. Tensions between the participant and her aunt had escalated, making it difficult to complete the follow-up. Rather than accepting defeat, Bangura discussed the situation with Dr. Candace Beouku-Betts and proposed a home visit. This visit not only helped reconcile the disagreement but also ensured the participant remembered important follow-up appointments.
“That experience captured something important about the way I approach my work,” Bangura shares. “I don’t only want to complete a task; I want to understand the problem and find a way forward.” This mindset of persistence and empathy guided her throughout the CARES project.
Teamwork, mentorship, and overcoming challenges
CARES also strengthened Bangura’s appreciation for teamwork. Working alongside her childhood friend Abigail, who brought different professional experiences to the project, made the journey particularly special. Together, they learned, supported one another, and grew.
The mentorship of Dr. Candace Beouku-Betts was another highlight of Bangura’s journey. “Her mentorship, trust, and willingness to give us responsibility allowed me to see possibilities in myself that I may not have recognised before,” Bangura says. This support helped her gain confidence and develop her problem-solving abilities.
The project was not without its challenges. Bangura and her team experienced the loss of two patients, which deeply affected them. These losses reinforced for her the importance of good healthcare and meaningful research. “Behind every participant number, sample, chart, or research form is a real human being with a family, hopes, and a story,” she reflects.
The next chapter: CRADLE Smart and beyond
Since CARES, Bangura has transitioned into CRADLE Smart viewing it as another important step in her journey. Her passion for research, particularly in maternal and child health, has grown tremendously. She sees research as a powerful way to use her nursing knowledge to contribute to evidence, improve practice, and ultimately save lives.
Looking back, Bangura realizes that each chapter of her career has prepared her for the next. From supporting her mother’s school to nursing, EBOVAC, CARES, and now CRADLE Smart, she has continuously grown and adapted. “I am excited about where this journey can take me,” she says. “I hope to be trusted with greater responsibilities and larger platforms where I can contribute meaningfully to research and healthcare.”
Bangura’s story is a reminder that careers can take unexpected turns, leading to profound personal and professional growth. Her journey from nursing to research is not just a change in profession but a deeper commitment to service, integrity, teamwork, learning, and impact.
