Evelyn Ndifang on Resilience, Responsibility and Nursing Leadership

Evelyn Ndifang is an experienced nursing leader with a career built on discipline, consistency, and patient-centred care. She has spent decades working across clinical and management roles in the healthcare sector, earning a reputation for reliability and strong leadership.

Born in Cameroon, Evelyn moved to Berlin, Germany, in 1990. Growing up across cultures shaped her ability to adapt and communicate. She speaks five languages, including English, German, French, Pidgin English, and Bameta. This global background later became a strength in diverse healthcare settings.

Evelyn studied Nursing and German at the University of Potsdam before continuing her nursing education in the United States at the Standard College of Nursing in Tysons Corner, Virginia. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse and later qualified as a Registered Nurse.

Her professional path reflects steady progression. Evelyn advanced from bedside care into leadership roles, including Nursing Supervisor, Unit Manager, Staff Development Nurse, and Assistant Director of Nursing. In these positions, she focused on staff development, operational standards, and accountability. Facilities under her direct supervision received Facility of the Year awards in consecutive years.

Evelyn Ndifang is known for taking on complex responsibilities and delivering consistent results. She believes success comes from setting clear goals, reviewing progress, and staying focused. She continues to deepen her knowledge by following healthcare best practices and nursing education.

Outside of work, Evelyn volunteers in her community and prioritises family. Her career reflects a long-term commitment to leadership, service, and continuous improvement in healthcare.

Q: Evelyn, let’s start at the beginning. What was your early life like, and how did it shape you?

I was born in Cameroon and moved to Berlin, Germany, in 1990. I moved around a lot growing up, which meant I had to adjust quickly. I spent time playing handball, watching football, and listening to music with friends. That constant change taught me how to observe people and situations before acting. It also helped me learn languages. By the time I was older, I spoke English, German, French, Pidgin English, and Bameta. That ability to communicate across cultures still helps me in healthcare today.

When did you decide to pursue nursing as a career?

Nursing appealed to me because it combined structure with service. After graduating high school, I studied Nursing and German at the University of Potsdam. Later, when I moved to the United States, I continued my education at the Standard College of Nursing in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Nursing is demanding, but I liked that it required discipline and focus. You cannot approach it casually.

How did your career begin in the healthcare industry?

I started as a Licensed Practical Nurse. That stage taught me the basics of responsibility and accountability. You are close to patients, and there is no room for shortcuts. Later, I became a Registered Nurse. With each step, the expectations increased. I learned that being reliable and attentive builds trust very quickly. “If people trust you, they give you responsibility,” and that was true in my case.

You moved steadily into leadership roles. How did that transition happen?

It happened through consistency rather than planning a title. I became a Nursing Supervisor, then a Unit Manager, and later a Staff Development Nurse. Eventually, I served as an Assistant Director of Nursing. I was often asked to handle difficult tasks because people knew I would follow through. “Being genuinely caring and reliable made me the go-to person,” especially when situations were complex or high pressure.

What did leadership in nursing teach you about running teams?

Leadership is about systems and people at the same time. You must set clear expectations, but you also need to understand your staff. Training matters. Accountability matters. Under my direct supervision, our facility won Facility of the Year awards two years in a row. That did not happen by chance. It came from daily discipline and clear standards. “You cannot drift in leadership,” especially in healthcare.

You’ve spoken openly about challenges in your career. How did you manage them?

There were many challenges. Healthcare is demanding, both physically and mentally. I learned to rely on resilience. “You have to push yourself to grow,” even when it feels uncomfortable. I also believe strongly in setting timed goals. I review my goals every month to see where I stand. If you don’t do that, time passes and nothing changes.

How do you stay current in such a fast-moving industry?

I read nursing and healthcare material regularly. I also watch educational videos to stay informed about best practices. Nursing standards change, and leadership requires knowledge. “If you stop learning, you fall behind,” and that affects patient care. Staying sharp is part of the job.

Outside of work, what keeps you grounded?

My family plays a big role. I enjoy cooking, spending time with my children, and volunteering at soup kitchens. Service outside of work keeps things in perspective. I also enjoy travelling. Recently, I visited Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Greece with friends. Those experiences help me recharge and reflect.

Your children and faith seem important to you. How do they influence your work?

My children are a major source of motivation. I also have a lot of respect for the military. One daughter is in the Navy, and another is in the Air Force. Their commitment inspires me. My faith also keeps me focused on purpose rather than titles. “What you do every day matters,” both at work and at home.

Looking back, how would you define success in your career?

Success is not comfort. It is discipline and growth. “Put yourself in positions that challenge you,” even when it feels hard. For me, success has been about staying focused, caring for people, and leading with consistency. If you can do that over time, the results speak for themselves.