Meet Carol Sackey | Family Nurse Practitioner and mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Sackey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The storybook written by my 13-year-old daughter Isabelle can be shared with children all over the world. The book, An Unexpected Appearance by Isabelle Addo-Yobo and Carol Sackey is available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The story is something we can all relate to. One of the reasons this book was written by my teenage daughter was to encourage and share her love for reading and writing with all children.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner working in an underserved community. I love this profession! My first positive encounter with a Family Nurse Practitioner was at an inner-city hospital in Boston. I was immediately drawn to this profession and it encouraged me to undertake this profession. She was caring, professional, and receptive to questions. I inquired about her educational background and knew exactly what I wanted to be, I was already in nursing school. I have been a nurse practitioner for 15 years. My specialty is family, so I can help a 3-day-old baby to centenarians. I am proud of the fact that I used to receive medical care from a hospital serving the underserved and now I provide the same care. I love that I can relate to the patient population and be helpful to others. I went to school in Boston, Simmons College, and eventually California State University, Bakersfield for a master’s in nursing. It was not easy but I was very determined. I started working in the medical field in high school in a program called ProTech for Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. The program was to introduce the youth to their field of interest. My first work experience was as a Radiology Service Representative Assistant. The duties included helping patients get ready for radiological procedures like MRI, x-rays, etc. I held several positions at MGH including Operations Associate, Nursing Aid, and call center representative for the radiology department. I once worked at CVS and a hotel all in an effort to pay for my education. My first bachelor’s degree is from UMass-Boston. Unfortunately, I was not sure what I wanted to do everything was exciting, I enjoyed sociology and psychology greatly. It was when I got sick and ended up meeting the nurse practitioner and evaluating what I valued that I came to the initial decision to be a nurse. I loved bedside nursing however it was my husband who encouraged me to pursue a higher education in nursing. He advised me to pursue a master’s in nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. My husband, Odei, was my biggest advocate throughout my education. He read and corrected all my school paperwork and helped me study accordingly. My husband took care of our first daughter Isabelle while I went to school. My late father also came to babysit and assist during my clinical rotations. Some of the lessons I have learned along the way are kindness and love break barriers. It is important to be able to listen and assist a diverse group of people and continuously learn about other cultures. One of the best things is to realize that even though you meet a person for 15 minutes during sometimes their most vulnerable state, they remember how you treat them. Every individual, every story, every patient is important and worth your time and attention. My children are my inspiration, I want everyone to be the best they can be. I am proud of the children’s book my daughter wrote entitled An Unexpected Appearance by Isabelle Addo-Yobo. The book talks about the family unit and her brother Joseph is the main character. I am writing a devotional, specifically for the youth. I fell in love with writing over the years and I think it’s important to have a positive mindset, and a positive attitude and encourage each other. The youth-all of us- will benefit greatly from a positive environment. I want the world to know that your steps are ordered and you are here for a specific purpose. I want people to know that they are needed, wanted, and valuable. You can do anything, keep pushing and believing. I came to this country at age 15 and was blessed by numerous people, including a lovely family Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, Mr and Mrs Asante, several people who just poured into my life. They could see potential I didn’t even dream or dare think of. I have a testimony. I feel blessed. Remember everyone has a different journey, it is never a comparison but the best of yourself for yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Hollywood, a Tour of LA, Beverly Hills-Rodeo Drive, Santa Barbara, Disneyland, UCLA, the Grove, and San Diego…..the whole place is beautiful. I love food, I am willing to try new food. I love seeing and meeting new people, culture and the excitement of the city. Just getting out is amazing. I would love to go to the coffee shop, pick a book at the library with them, and share in the history of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, my husband, and my two kids. My dad and mom made the decision to bring me to America at a young age, this decision has blessed me immensely. This country has been a blessing! I love America! I lost my dad 2 years ago to covid but he was very proud of my accomplishments. I am proud of myself, I have overcome and I am living my dream as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am proud of my children. My daughter donated her children’s book An Unexpected Appearance by Isabelle Addo-Yobo to Valley Children’s hospital and several places for children to read. Get a copy of the book and support her idea of sharing this book with children all over the world. The book was a family project and we hope every child can get a copy.

Instagram: an.unexpected.appearance

Facebook: Carol Sackey

Other: You can email me cssackey@gmail.com.