Veterans Find Their Place in Nursing

By ChaseYavondaC

That desire brought them to the BSN program in the UAMS College of Nursing but began long before they entertained the thought of a nursing career.

Before patient care became their goal, they were in the service of their country.

Phillips, a 44-year-old married father of four, joined the U.S. Army in 1989 following high school. College didn’t seem to be a good fit for him, so he made the decision to try out the military. What he found was a desire and compassion for service.

“My time in the military plays a huge factor in who I am today,” said Phillips.

He eventually became a field medic and was part of a forward-support battalion in the 8th Infantry Division during the Gulf War. He also spent time stationed in Germany. In 1994, he completed respiratory therapy school and was stationed across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest as a respiratory therapist.

Goucher, 30, spent a decade in the Army, including five deployments with the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Battalion and 75th Ranger Regiment, and reached the rank of staff sergeant. He was deployed twice to Iraq and three times to Afghanistan, and spent most of his time as an assault squad leader.

Joining the military was something he had been interested in since it caught his attention as a child. His admiration of the military only matured as he grew older.

“It just seemed to be a dream come true,” said Goucher.

While Phillips entered the health field during his time in the service, Goucher didn’t pursue that interest until after he was discharged. It was cross training during his time in special operations that sparked his interest in the health professions.

Out of the military, he applied to several nursing schools in the area, but felt UAMS’ program was so prestigious it might be a “long shot.”

“When I got my acceptance letter into the BSN program, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I was honored and thankful for the opportunity.”

For Phillips, his work as a respiratory therapist and other life experience made him feel better prepared for college and achieving his goal becoming a nurse.

Both have made an impression on their clinical instructors for their calm demeanors under pressure.

Lynn Dees, a clinical instructor in the College of Nursing, called Phillips an “exemplary student” and said his military training is evident in his efforts to be successful in the BSN program.

“He is calm and collected in even the most stressful of circumstances, and brings a unique sense of humor, and camaraderie to bear, in most situations,” said Dees.

Sherri Graves, also a College of Nursing clinical instructor, said Goucher has similar qualities, describing him as “always smiling, calm and pleasant.

“What ordinarily makes students feel stressed seems to have minimal impact on Justin,” said Graves. “His experience in the military has provided him with the qualities needed to be an extraordinary student and future nurse — discipline, responsibility, compassion, empathy and selflessness.”

After each completes his bachelor’s degree, Phillips and Goucher will head off once again in their own direction. Phillips has interest in staying at UAMS to work in the Cardiovascular/Thoracic ICU, while Goucher said he may pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Whatever they choose, these former soldiers will continue to serve others through their chosen career as a registered nurse.

“UAMS is grateful for the service that Justin and Michael gave to his country and are so proud they chose us for their nursing education,” Graves said. “The College of Nursing is honored to have these students in the program and look forward to future opportunities to admit veterans and provide them with a second career option.”