Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrica Rumph.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Terrica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a Doctorate-prepared Nurse Practitioner certified in both Family Primary Care as well as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. I have practiced as a Registered Nurse for five years and a Nurse Practitioner for two years. I feel as if I have not chosen healthcare, but rather, healthcare chose me. My mom was poisoned several years ago, and I had to witness the complications of part of her esophagus being removed. Years later, my maternal grandmother fell sick and passed away from Pancreatic Cancer just two months after being diagnosed. It was these events that led me down the path of healthcare. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Three months later, I enrolled in a dual program at the University of South Alabama, where I completed both my Master of Science in Nursing and my Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees simultaneously. My very first Nurse Practitioner position was at an Urgent Care Clinic in Kansas, and I was able to also become an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Emporia State University. After getting married, my husband and I decided to relocate, and I recently accepted a Nurse Practitioner position in Primary Care for a wonderful organization here in Atlanta!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth?! I WISH! Where do I start?? Nursing school in itself was a struggle. We had to take an ATI comprehensive test on the material we learned about in nursing school. ATI is basically an NCLEX-preparation course. We HAD to pass the comprehensive test in order to graduate at UAB, and I absolutely FAILED the first time. Talk about DEVASTATED. This was a humbling experience and definitely an eye-opener. I was so scared I wasn’t going to graduate. Thankfully, I passed on the next and final test. I had to overcome almost getting kicked out of my Master’s program because I couldn’t find clinical preceptors, I had to drive over an hour each way to some of my clinical sites, and I had to overcome many job rejections. My doctorate program also gave me a run for my money. We had to complete a project and write a Manuscript. Well, guess whose manuscript WAS NOT ACCEPTED the first time? Yeah, you guessed it… MINE! So, I had to scramble and adjust many aspects of my manuscript just for it to be accepted (and for me to complete my graduate program). I was so stressed!!
God has paved this path for me and allowed me to accomplish my goals. I just had to keep my faith in Him despite all of the obstacles. I had soooo many people tell me I was way too young to get my Doctorate degree, and they told me I did not have the experience needed. Many of those same people tried to deter me from my ultimate goal just by being negative and mean. However, for those that know me, they know that I am very determined and have a lot of ambition. With God’s help, I was able to obtain my Doctorate Degree at the age of 25 years old.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Well, I don’t have a business just yet; however, I have so many business ideas and projects that I am passionate about. I want to get settled here in Atlanta, and then I would like to venture into business opportunities (so keep your eyes open)!
I think one thing that sets me apart from the rest is my passion and love for others. I care a lot about people, and I think that transpires over into my appointments with patients. I love talking to them and most importantly, listening to them. There are many providers, but patients like to have a provider LISTEN to them and their concerns, and I think that is something I offer. I also have a passion for mentoring. I am always encouraging someone to go achieve their dreams and offering advice to those who want to follow in my footsteps. I love it!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Wow, I had so many favorite childhood memories. My dad had a gospel TV show years ago, and one of my favorite memories from childhood was riding with him to the TV station and being on his show! In addition, I really enjoyed taking my first cruise with my mom when I was 16 years old. I believe that formulated my current love for travel. Really, anything involving spending time with my family has been a favorite of mine!
Contact Info:
- Email: terricajw@gmail.com
- Instagram: iamdrnurseterrica
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/terricarumph
Image Credit:
Braylon Rumph
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