A Childhood Tragedy Sparks a Lifelong Mission
Betty Koker’s journey into nursing began with a profound personal loss.
“I lost my mum… she died after giving birth,” Betty said, her voice steady. “According to my dad, it was due to the negligence of the nurses. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a nurse—to help others, and to make sure children don’t have to grow up without their mums.”
Motivated by this early tragedy, Betty left her hometown of Bo and travelled to Freetown to pursue her dream. She enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, and graduated as a registered nurse in 2016.
Volunteering from Day One
While many graduates pause after their studies, Betty was eager to begin immediately.
“I went to the nurse in charge and said, ‘I’ll volunteer. I’ll work for free.’” Her determination was unwavering—and it still is.
Today, she works at Connaught Hospital, the largest public hospital in Freetown, and is a participant in the Mercy Ships Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) mentorship program—building her skills and deepening her impact.
Learning Through Mentorship with Mercy Ships
The ETA program partners local healthcare professionals with experienced international mentors. Betty began working closely with UK nurse mentor Katie Henderson, who quickly recognised Betty’s drive and compassion.
The program introduced structured clinical tools like A-to-E and neurovascular assessments—essential for identifying patients in decline. But Betty’s standout quality was her personal touch.
“I watched Betty educate a patient who was very nervous before surgery,” Katie shared. “She reassured him with such confidence. It was a beautiful moment.”
These clinical tools, often only briefly covered in academic training, became second nature through practical mentorship. Betty said, “There are things we learned that we hadn’t really been using here. The mentoring helped us turn knowledge into action.”
Hands-On Training On board the Global Mercy™
Betty later joined the Global Mercy™, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, for intensive clinical training. There, she worked in the orthopaedic department, helping children learn five key rehabilitation exercises—skills she plans to take back to Connaught Hospital.
She also participated in high-pressure emergency simulations, gaining confidence in rapid assessments and urgent care.
“It was amazing,” she said. “We got to practise things in a safe environment, which prepared us to apply them in real-world situations.”
The Power of Consistent Mentorship
For Betty, the greatest lessons came not just from procedures, but from observing professional values in action.
“What I’ve learned from Katie is dedication. She’s always on time, very compassionate, and leads by example,” Betty explained.
That consistency rippled out across the team. “When she’s observing us, she gives feedback—sometimes corrections, but often encouragement. It makes us want to do better.”
Bringing Change Home to Connaught Hospital
Back in Freetown, Betty is working hard to implement what she’s learned—even when resources are scarce.
“It’s eye-opening. On Mercy Ships, everything is available. At Connaught, we don’t have the same tools, but we’ve learned how to improvise. That’s powerful.”
The change in Betty is not just professional—it’s personal. “You don’t have to be paid to show love. A smile, some compassion—it can ease someone’s pain.”
Building a Better Healthcare Future Together
Betty believes the Mercy Ships mentorship model creates sustainable impact.
“They’re not helping us so we can rely on them. They’re helping us build our own systems and improve what we have,” she said.
Looking ahead, Betty is hopeful. “This experience has made me more precise and confident. I know it will make a difference in the lives of my patients.”
When asked how Mercy Ships is viewed at Connaught Hospital, she smiled and said, “People say they’re a godsend. They’re everywhere.”
What Makes a Great Nurse? Heart, Confidence and Teamwork
Reflecting on what truly matters in nursing, Betty doesn’t talk about machines or high-tech environments.
“The main thing I’ve learned is to be compassionate. Whatever you do, do it with love, confidence, and teamwork.”
Join the Mission: Support Healthcare Transformation with Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships continues to invest in healthcare workers like Betty through training, mentoring, and hands-on education. Australians can play a vital role in this mission.
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