Dr. Tina: From Nurse to Doctor of Nursing Practice in the USA
Dr. Tina, a Ghanaian based in Texas, USA, recently shared her inspiring journey on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
She explained that she started her career as a nurse before advancing her education to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice. “I went from being a nurse to earning my doctorate in nursing. Today, I’m not only a nurse practitioner but also a psychiatric health practitioner. It hasn’t been easy, but I reinforced myself, learned, and pushed through as a mother and professional,” she said.
Dr. Tina revealed that while the early stages abroad were tough—working menial jobs and juggling school—the sacrifices eventually paid off. “Medical school takes years, and the struggle is real in the beginning. But once you graduate, you don’t struggle the same way again. Unlike Ghana, where doctors sometimes ask patients to buy their own prescribed medicines, here the government supports people with chronic illnesses like cancer and kidney failure. The system works,” she added.
She also highlighted the importance of regular medical checkups in the U.S., noting that such practices prevent many sudden deaths. “In Ghana, someone can be misdiagnosed with malaria when in reality more tests are needed, like ultrasounds and lab work. Back home, our healthcare system needs more machines and better testing facilities,” Dr. Tina emphasized.
Currently, she runs her own virtual healthcare company, which is licensed across six states. She treats patients online, creating opportunities for other nurse practitioners to work remotely as well. “I have enough patients, and I even invite others to join me. Nurse practitioners here can work from home, which makes it flexible and rewarding,” she said.
On the financial side, she admitted taxes in the U.S. can feel overwhelming. “When I first arrived and worked as a cashier, I cried because of how much tax was deducted from my salary. But later I understood—it funds firefighters, police, healthcare, and other public services. The taxes we pay sustain the system,” she explained.
Dr. Tina’s story is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the rewards of hard work.
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