Meet Scholastica Amekugee: The US-based Ghanaian nurse catering for her colleagues
In the heart of the global crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers stood on the frontlines, showcasing unparalleled dedication and fortitude. Among these heroes is Scholastica Amekugee, a Ghanaian nurse based in the United States, whose journey through the pandemic has led her to establish a unique business aimed at supporting her fellow nurses.
Having faced the harsh realities of working during the pandemic, Scholastica recognized a critical need within her profession. Witnessing the physical and mental toll on healthcare workers, she was inspired to found the Nurse Staffing Agency NSA LLC, also known as Scepter Care NSA. This initiative was designed to offer staffing assistance to healthcare facilities and provide flexibility for nurses, many of whom were considering leaving the profession due to the overwhelming demands of the job.
NSA LLC, situated in Chicago, strives not only to empower nurses but also to ensure healthcare facilities maintain optimal levels of staffing. It champions the idea that nurses should not have to choose between their career and their personal or familial commitments.
From Theatre Arts to Nursing: The Inspiring Path of Scholastica Amekugee
Scholastica’s journey to nursing is as compelling as her entrepreneurial venture. Migrating from Ghana to the United States 11 years ago, she initially pursued a degree in Theatre Directing from the University of Ghana. However, life took an unexpected turn when her eldest son was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease shortly after they arrived in the US. This diagnosis not only altered her son’s life but completely transformed Scholastica’s career trajectory.
Driven by a newfound purpose, she ventured into nursing, completing her education and training to become a Registered Nurse in 2018. Scholastica’s passion did not stop at her professional development. In 2016, she established Dzisel Health Organization, a non-profit aimed at supporting children with Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana, thereby combining her personal experience with her professional expertise to make a broader impact.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Scholastica’s diverse nursing skills were put to the test. Working across various departments, and even out of state, she demonstrated the versatility and dedication emblematic of healthcare professionals during such unprecedented times.
Empowering Nurses through Scepter Care NSA
Three years following its establishment, NSA LLC, doing business as Scepter Care NSA, has grown into a beacon of support for nurses and healthcare professionals. As a minority/Black-owned and woman-owned company, it highlights the importance of representation in entrepreneurship and healthcare.
The agency staffs over 200 professionals across Illinois, offering staffing support on a temporary or as-needed basis. It also extends its services to corporate organizations, emphasizing healthcare risk management and education for employees. With a foundational value of CARE — consisting of compassion, accountability, reliability, and excellence — Scepter Care stands out as a preferred choice for healthcare professionals and facilities alike.
As Scholastica completes her master’s in business administration with a focus on Healthcare Management, her commitment to combining entrepreneurial expertise with healthcare knowledge continues to inspire. Through NSA LLC, she not only provides a vital service amid the changing landscape of healthcare but also represents a model of innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.
In a world where the healthcare sector is constantly evolving, the story of Scholastica Amekugee serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can make. Through dedication, innovation, and compassion, she has carved a path that not only enhances the well-being of her fellow nurses but also ensures the continued provision of quality healthcare services to those in need.
