Student Soldiers Serving Double Duty

This Veteran’s Day we’re celebrating nurse students who are on the front lines of health and the front lines of defense, protecting our country in more ways than one.

So read on and meet eight students serving in double time.

Josh Wymer

Josh Wymer, a member of the DNP-Executive cohort graduating in spring of 2023. He has been in health care for 24 years and is completing year 19 on active duty with the U.S. Navy. As a nurse, he has worked across medical-surgical, post-anesthesia, ambulatory procedures, and primary care areas with the most recent 10+ years spent in perioperative nursing and surgical services management. He currently serves as a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer in the San Diego area.

Allison Chamberlin

Allison Chamberlin is a MSN (Entry Into Nursing) student graduating in May 2022. She has spent over 12 years in the U.S. Air Force (seven active duty and now almost five and a half in the Reserve) and is incredibly grateful for her experience.

From Allison:

The military gave me self-confidence that has served me in every other area of my life. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone so often but it led to personal and professional growth. I have deployed four times, traveled around the world, and most importantly, met my amazing husband. I am grateful to still be able to serve while pursuing my passions here at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.

Khin Aungthein

 

Khin Aungthein, DNP/MPH student and Navy nurse.

Patryk Madrid

Patryk Madrid is a DNP Advanced Practice Track Family Nurse Practitioner student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. He was in the U.S. Air Force for about six years, working in health care administration.

From Patryk:

Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve today!

Jessica Beard

 

Jessica Beard is a DNP Executive Track student and Chief Nursing Officer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).

Debora La Torre

Debora La Torre, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, a FNP, and a DNP Executive Student living in Brooklyn, NY.

From Debora:

I joined the Army in 2000 as a combat medic and deployed to Afghanistan in 2004-2005, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IV. I commissioned as a officer in 2011, and am proud to continue serving in the Army Nurse Corps.  This November I celebrate 17 years of military service. 

Luisa Dabu-Hranek

From Luisa:

Circa 2009, I made the life-changing decision to go active duty in the U.S. Army. It opened my eyes to military culture and new challenges that I never thought I could endure.

I gained skills in emergency and operating room care that I wouldn’t have learned at a regular hospital. Now I’m able to advance my education at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing while in the Reserves so I can further provide patient care to underserved populations in military and civilian settings. This picture reminds me that despite any doubts or barriers, I will complete the mission and never accept defeat.

Shanna Mueggenberg

Shanna Mueggenberg, BSN, RN, CNOR is a perioperative nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves Nurse Corps. She joined the service in 2006 as a medic before being trained as an licensed practical nurse (LPN). After graduating with her BSN, she was commissioned into the rank of first lieutenant. Her current unit is the 7456 MORU from Des Moines, Iowa.

From Shanna:

When I reflect upon my career, I am grateful for the incredible soldiers I have served with. Each one of them pushed me towards leadership and demanded excellence in return. I have been blessed to have amazing mentorship and an incredibly supportive husband.

Read more:

• FNPs Know That Military Families Serve, Too
• Take-Charge Nurse
• The Bridge to Nurse Executive
• Nurse Dads, You Inspire Us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SYDNEE LOGAN

Sydnee Logan, MA is the Sr. Social Media and Digital Content Specialist for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She shares Hopkins Nurses with the world.