Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Staff Sgt Julia Vickers) Staff Sgt Vickers with her mother, Crystal...... read more read more
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FALLS CHURCH, Va.- It’s been a year of epiphanies for Staff Sgt Julia Vickers, who was on a deployment to Camp Humphries, Korea, a year ago. “I had been dealing with some mental health issues throughout my career, and I hit a low point while I was over there. When they told me I was going to a Soldier Recovery Unit for care, I first said I didn’t want to take up space for someone who needs it.”
Like most people, Vickers was under the impression that SRUs were for Soldiers injured in combat. She quickly learned that the SRU is very much for her, too. After she learned of her impending medical retirement, she was beyond thankful to have the SRU having her back. “I always tell people that it is a blessing that I am here at the Fort Belvoir SRU. I can focus solely on my care and my transition out. Many people who go through the med board process independently still have to focus on their jobs, extra duties, and the out-boarding process. It's hard for them,” said the human resources specialist.
Vickers spent eleven years on active duty and started in the medical field as a lab technician before she moved into human resources. She remembers realizing she wanted to have the best of both worlds. “Several years ago, I was working the night shift at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and made a connection with one of the labor and delivery nurses. I told her about some of the things I was interested in, and she said I should come to shadow the nurses. She set it up, and I did it and thought, yep, this is what I want to do. I want to be an advocate for patients and educate them. “
Her time in recovery at the Fort Belvoir SRU included working with opportunities in Career Education and Readiness. It showed her she truly could have the best of both worlds. “My first MOS was a medical laboratory technician, and I enjoyed it but missed connecting with people. I needed a new spark in my career. Although I enjoyed being in human resources, I also missed being in health care,” said Vickers.
She credits her Transition Coordinator at the Fort Belvoir SRU with helping her turn her passion into a reality once she exits the Army. “Mr. James Coleman helped me so much. He is there to help with anything we need. He’s only spoken positive things to me and is a great help! Every Soldier should work with their TC. I’m currently studying for my national certification as a lab technician to get a part-time job as a lab tech while in nursing school.”
Vickers is awaiting the start of nursing school back home in New Jersey. She will live with her family while attending Thomas Edison State University to earn her Nursing degree. She hopes to work in Labor and Delivery.
Vickers values utilizing the skills and training she acquired in the Army in the civilian world. She says preparing for that world while at the Fort Belvoir SRU is a Godsend.
“I have the ability to go to job fairs and work on my resume. I also have my Nurse Case Manager and Transition Coordinator, whose sole job is ensuring I am good to go. I am extremely grateful for that.”
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2024 14:34 |
| Story ID: | 480073 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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