SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
JULY 2019
Joy Herring
Vice President of Clinical Analytics
Each week, St. Johns River State College will honor one of its own in an alumni salute, celebrating the career milestones, community contributions and personal reflections of those who began their collegiate journey as SJR State Vikings.
Joy Herring finds great joy serving in the field of nursing. As vice president of clinical analytics with Health Care Management Group, Joy says, “I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to care for people. In my current role, I am able to glean from experience and use the depth of my knowledge and combine it with the power of technology to impact the initiative and goal of quality services in post-acute care.”
Joy received an Associate in Nursing degree from St. Johns River State College in 2009, which helped lay the foundation for her degrees that followed, including a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from Bethune-Cookman University in 2012 and a Master in Nursing Informatics from Chamberlain University in 2018. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Nursing Practice and expects to complete that program in 2020.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A NURSE?
There are two moments that really inspired me to become a nurse. The first was being fortunate to have a wonderful grandmother live with me growing up, because she was adamant that she did not want to go into a nursing home. Although it was an honor to care for her, I saw the challenges, firsthand, of being a caregiver at a young age. It was my desire to contribute in creating an environment for caring for the fragile and vulnerable population. My other major contributing factor for pursuing a nursing career was my mother, who was a licensed practical nurse. She was caring, compassionate and demonstrated such high esteem for the profession.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO YOUR TRAINING AT SJR STATE?
As a graduate of St. Augustine High School, I was knowledgeable of the College, so when I was able to apply to a nursing program, I knew one of the schools I was going to apply to was SJR State. From the admission’s process to my matriculation, I was made to feel that I was more than just a number or a test score. SJR State genuinely cared about my professional development and goals.
HOW DID YOUR TRAINING BEST PREPARE YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE?
SJR State enhanced my foundation to pursue my educational goals. The person-centered environment was conducive for my professional and personal development.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR YOU TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE AFTER YOUR TRAINING?
I was fortunate to be employed at the time of graduation, but secured a job within six weeks of graduation that allowed me to advance my career as a regional clinical reimbursement consultant.
PLEASE SHARE THE TIMELINE OF YOUR CAREER/EDUCATIONAL PATH SINCE JOINING THE WORKFORCE (UP TO YOUR CURRENT PH.D. PROGRAM).
1994 - Certified Nursing Assistant, Rome, NY
1997 - Licensed Practical Nurse, Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC
2007 - Associate in Arts, Florida State College
2009 - Associate Nursing, St. Johns River State College
2012 - Bachelor Science of Nursing, Bethune-Cookman University
2018 - Master in Nursing Informatics, Chamberlain University
2020 - Doctor of Nurse Practice attending, Chamberlain University
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I enjoy being in a position where I can directly impact patients and their families, but also members within the health field. Our profession has endless opportunities, from the bedside to corporate America, and all the avenues afford you the ability to impact someone’s life along the way.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE CONTEMPLATING A NURSING CAREER?
What an honorable profession nursing is, but it is one that comes with great responsibilities and opportunities. It is more than just a job; it is a way of living. Find a specialty that embodies your passion and desire to serve mankind. Find a mentor so he/she may be that guiding light for you through those challenging days ahead. Find a nursing organization that will help you stay abreast of current, best practices and state and federal guidelines. Remember, we have to be entrusted to care for many who are considered to be the fragile and vulnerable population. Let your hands be an extension to serve with kindness, and allow your voice to serve as an amplifier for those who may be unable to speak for themselves. You have made a great decision, and the best is yet to come!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR TRAINING AND/OR YOUR WORK.
I am also a licensed minister at Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where Dr. Robert E. Herring, Sr., is the pastor.
There are no words to express my gratitude for the abundance of support I have received along this journey. My husband has been my rock, and my children and grandchildren have been the wind beneath my wings. Thank you for your support and unwavering commitment.
Truly, no one can reach their goals or walk this journey called life, alone. SJR State, thank you for paving the road for many to travel on their road to destiny. I am forever grateful for the role you played in my life, providing the training that allowed me to accomplish one of my greatest joys - becoming a registered nurse.
ARE YOU AN SJR STATE ALUMNUS?
Click on the link below to share your recent accomplishments and join the SJR State Alumni Association today - we'd love to hear from you! SJRstate.edu/alumni.html
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4021