The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Ga. recently announced the selection of Dr. Pamela L. Jackson as its new Associate Director for Patient Care Service (ADPCS).

Previously the Chief of Education Services and interim ADPCS for the medical center, Jackson is a U.S. Army veteran with eight years of service. She started her 32-year nursing career as a licensed practical nurse in 1987 eventually acquiring a professional portfolio that includes broad experience in emergency, psychiatric, ambulatory, and home health care as well as nursing leadership at all levels. She obtained her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Administration with an Educator Concentration from Samford University, Birmingham, in 2014, and has an American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification.

Commenting on his choice of Jackson, Dublin VA Medical Center Director Dave Whitmer noted the extensive leadership skill set that she brings to the role.

“Dr. Jackson is a devoted teammate and a remarkable leader. She is enthusiastic, approachable, and committed to creating a collaborative environment and inspires her team with her positivity. Dr. Jackson believes in the fundamental leadership principle that open communication, trust, and empowerment of her staff and it shows in their dedication to their veterans. She was definitely the best choice for us, and our veterans and staff will benefit from her continued leadership.”

The Dublin VA is one of eight medical centers in Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 and one of 153 medical centers included in the Veterans Health Administration. The medical center and its six community clinics provide primary and specialty care services to approximately 39,000 veterans from 49 counties in Middle and South Georgia. As the executive chief nurse, Jackson is a member of the executive management team in charge of Patient Care Services that includes Nursing, Social Work, Mental Health, Chaplaincy, Respiratory, Recreation Therapy, and other sections.

Whitmer cites Jackson’s background in education as invaluable in her leadership efforts.

“Pam knows that effective leadership is largely a factor of superior communication skill, an ability that she has in abundance and developed to a sharp point as an educator. During her interim role she led her team to significant achievements, and will no doubt continue to excel as our permanent ADPCS.”

Jackson is a native of Gordo, Ala., and started her professional career at the DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as an LPN in the Medical Surgical Unit. After subsequently obtaining an RN degree she started working in the Emergency Departments of both DCH and Northport Medical Center in Northport, Ala., until accepting a position as a travel nurse at Summit Medical Center, a level-1 trauma center, in Oakland, Calif. where she practiced for seven years.

Coming from a service-oriented family that includes a father and brother who are also veterans, Jackson began her VA career as a staff nurse and off-tour supervisor in 2012 at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, became a Patient-Centered Care Educator at the Birmingham VA Medical Center in 2015, and joined the Dublin VA as the Chief of Nursing and Employee Education in 2017.

Jackson is active in the nursing profession and the community as a member of the Samford Alumni Board of Directors, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). As a member of the ANA, she serves on the ANA Advisory Committee for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). Jackson is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and regularly represents the Dublin VA at Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, veteran service organization, and other community events.

A 1983 graduate of Gordo High School, Jackson is the daughter of Dorothy and the late W.C. Jackson. She is the fifth of six siblings and two of her sisters are also VA nurses in Atlanta and Tuscaloosa.