Local Navy veteran pursues healthcare excellence after military service | News

Jessica (Fisher) Armstrong, daughter of Tim and Robin Fisher of Spartansburg, Pa., and a 2017 graduate of Corry Area High School, has transformed her military medical experience into a flourishing civilian healthcare career in Chesapeake, Va. Her impressive educational achievements include an associate degree and bachelor’s degree from American Military University, along with a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate from East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) University in Virginia Beach, Va.

Armstrong’s path to healthcare began during the inaugural year of the Health Care Technology program at Corry Area High School, under the guidance of teacher Melissa Turben. 

“Mrs. Turben created an amazing environment to learn about healthcare in a fun and creative way,” Armstrong recalled. “Her passion was contagious, and I always wanted to maintain that same enthusiasm in my nursing career.”

Inspired by her parents and a desire to serve her country, Armstrong enlisted in the Navy as a hospital corpsman. The military’s medical training program proved to be an intense experience that combined nursing and paramedic training into a demanding five-month course. 

“The training was fast and ruthless,” Armstrong explained. “You either got it or you didn’t, and if you didn’t, you were cut.”

Armstrong left the military with the rank of HM3, third-class petty officer, to pursue more education.

The transition from military to civilian life presented its challenges, but Armstrong’s determination remained unwavering. Working under the mentorship of Denise Albers, retired administrator of Corry Manor, she gained valuable insights into community healthcare. 

“Denise showed me a different perspective on compassion and care,” Armstrong said. “Her positive energy and humility taught me the importance of connecting with the community you serve.”

Currently working as an LPN at an OB-GYN clinic while pursuing her RN license through an accelerated nursing program, Armstrong’s passion for healthcare continues to grow. 

“I love all things nursing, and I love learning,” she shared. “The more education I receive, the better equipped I am to help others when they need it most.”

Looking ahead, Armstrong aims to become an Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner, combining her military experience with her civilian education. 

“I want to be someone everyone can turn to for guidance or advice,” she stated. “I plan to use all of my training to serve those in need, especially active duty members, veterans and their families.”

Armstrong offers encouraging words to fellow veterans considering a healthcare career. 

“Never give up,” she said. “While adjusting to civilian life can be extremely difficult, and you may miss the pride of wearing the uniform, it gets easier. Full send — you won’t regret it. It’s an amazing ride.”

Armstrong’s ongoing dedication to healthcare education is evident in her commitment to continuous learning. 

“I’m constantly watching videos or listening to podcasts about healthcare,” she says. “The excitement and passion I feel when discussing medicine reinforces my commitment to this field every day.”

Her story stands as a testament to the power of community support and mentorship in healthcare education. Through the guidance of dedicated educators like Turben and healthcare leaders like Albers, combined with her own determination and service-oriented mindset, Armstrong continues to build a career focused on caring for others. Her journey from military service to civilian healthcare exemplifies how military medical training, supported by strong educational foundations and community mentorship, can serve as a springboard for a successful career in nursing.