Josie Hervey, a 2014 Roseburg High School graduate, is making a difference right here in Douglas County, working as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Medical Center. Her journey from high school to a fulfilling career in healthcare is a testament to focused learning and the value of local opportunities.

From her middle school days, Josie knew nursing was her calling. At RHS, she pursued her passion through classes like Medical Biology and AP Biology, subjects that came naturally to her. "Biology was also a subject that was easier for me to comprehend compared to other types of sciences," she said. While still in high school, she also took Medical Terminology online at Umpqua Community College.

Her involvement in FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America) was another key experience. "I was able to earn plenty of volunteer hours and even got work experience, catering and working concessions in order to raise money for state and nationals," Josie said. Through the club, she competed in a mock job interview at the state level, gaining valuable insights into resume building and interview skills.

Josie also maximized her time at RHS by earning numerous dual credits through UCC in subjects like child development, accounting, government, and social studies. These credits were instrumental in fulfilling prerequisites for her transfer degree and the highly competitive nursing program. She also discovered what she didn't want to do. "I learned that I will never be an accountant, as I found it very tedious and boring. I prefer more hands-on subjects." 

She credits AP English for preparing her for college essays and AP Biology for giving her a strong foundation for microbiology in college. "This is known as a more difficult class, but I had some background in it, so it was very helpful in comprehension of this subject and my ability to be successful in the class."

Today, Josie works on the medical floor at Mercy Medical Center as a Registered Nurse. What she loves most? "I enjoy being able to talk with my patients and LOVE when you get to see them improve and get to go home feeling better." A typical day for Josie involves a 12-hour shift providing direct patient care, including procedures, medication passes, personal hygiene care, and patient education.

After graduating from RHS in 2014, Josie immediately enrolled at UCC, spending two years on prerequisites before being accepted into the nursing program in 2016. She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing in 2018 and later pursued her Bachelor's degree in Nursing through Chamberlain University in 2020. While she's currently focused on her family, raising two young boys, she notes that "there are many opportunities to continue my education or growth in my current field as a nurse" right here in Roseburg.

Josie's advice to current RHS students is clear: "Utilize your community college." She emphasizes the significant cost savings of completing prerequisites at a community college, especially for students who are still exploring their career options. "I chose to stay in town and was able to graduate with no debt and a degree in a high-paying career at only 22 years old." She also champions trade schools, calling them an "underutilized resource that can set you up with an incredible career."

For Josie, building her career in Roseburg was a natural choice. "I grew up here. My then-boyfriend, now husband, also grew up here. Our families live here and we saw no reason to leave." With a great education and good jobs for both her and her husband, they're now raising their two boys in the hometown they love.

"It feels good to work in and give back to the community that raised me," she shared.