Hillary’s Inspiring Journey as a Nurse with Mercy Ships

“It feels surreal that I’m part of an organization that is going to help my own people.” 

Hillary Acheampong, a Ghanaian volunteer preoperative nurse, first heard about Mercy Ships when she was a teenager. She was scrolling on YouTube when she saw a story about a girl who had received surgery with the organization.  

Years later, a friend reached out to tell her he was going to volunteer with the same organization. She realized, “I know these people,” and took a deeper look into Mercy Ships.  

A Calling to Be a Nurse

Hillary says her calling began with her family.  

“My journey to nursing started with my mom,” she shared. “She wanted me to be a nurse for as long as I can remember.”  

Originally, Hillary thought about another path, but when her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she knew what she needed to do.  

Although her mother received treatment, she was left with a large wound that required consistent medical attention. The more she cared for her mother, the more Hillary felt the pull to the nursing profession.  

“I felt I could help her more. That’s why I chose nursing,” she explained.  

Hillary went on to earn her diploma from Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Dadiesoaba, Ahafo Region of Ghana, before attending the Garden City University in Kumasi to earn her nursing degree.  

It took years of hard work, but soon she had secured a job in the emergency department at a government hospital where she was able to fine-tune her skills.  

“During my time as a staff nurse, I was giving first aid to accident victims, setting up lines, giving infusions, controlling bleeding, and monitoring patients,” she explained. “There are ups and downs, but I enjoy helping people. I enjoy knowing I was able to save a human being and my career is important to the world.” 

A Call to Come Aboard 

While she was hard at work in her career, a friend reached out to her about his time serving with Mercy Ships.  

“When my friend came back [from volunteering], I saw a change in him,” Hillary shared. “He looked different and relaxed. He looked like he went to a place where God wanted him to be, and I wanted to experience that.”  

In order to volunteer, Hillary would have to step away from an imminent promotion at work, a decision that her family feared would stall her career. 

Despite the concerns, Hillary felt sure that this was the calling on her life, and went forward with her decision: one that would lead her back home. 

“They are happy for me now,” she shared. “They are also excited that the ship is coming to Ghana.” 

Life On Board 

When she arrived, Hillary was introduced to a new type of energy than what she’d experienced in the emergency room.  

“The best part about being a preop nurse is that I get to see the patients first. I get to bond with them and know how they feel,” Hillary shared. “It’s a fun experience to later see them in the wards after surgery and when they are being discharged.” 

Her connection with the patients has encouraged her in the difficult decision she made, knowing that hope is finally in reach for so many. She remembers one particular patient who came to see her one last time before his discharge. “That just gave me the joy that I really did my job well for him to come to me before going home.” 

Additionally, the worries her family had about stalling her career have been unfounded as she has continued to strengthen her skills and acquire her ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certifications while on board.  

Motivated to keep thriving in the nursing profession, she plans to pursue a PhD in Nursing with specialization in emergency care. “My being here has actually cemented that faith more because of the new skills I have,” she shared.  

When she isn’t in the wards, you can often find Hillary serving on the worship team or hanging out with friends.  

“I would encourage anybody who wants to experience it to come on board,” she shared. “It’s service to people and a service to God. You’re going to enjoy community life, meet people, and get new skills.”  

Interested in life on board? See how you can Find Your Place on Board. You might even get to serve alongside Hillary!