Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
Jennifer Poucher was raised in Suwannee County, for the most part. Her father, Gary Poucher, was in the military, so she moved around the country until she was in the third grade. Poucher has always had a passion for helping others, sometimes without even realizing it. Because of Poucher's love for taking care of others, she decided to pursue the healthcare field.
Poucher knew she would pursue a career in healthcare after she took a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class at Suwannee High School. From there, her passion only grew. She has since worked as a caretaker, assisted director of nursing, quality of care leader and, now, as a nurse practitioner. Poucher has been employed at various local healthcare-oriented businesses, such as Lafayette Nursing and Rehabilitation, Advent Christian Village and, recently, she was employed by Madison Baily Grade Medical, a primary care office. “So far, I love it,” Poucher says.
Although Poucher has always wanted to help others, nursing was not her first choice. Originally, she wanted to be a physical therapist, but she's “not mean enough.” She did not want to tell people to do activities that may hurt. Instead, she enjoys bringing comfort and care to those in need. “I love taking care of people, it comes second nature,” Poucher says. “I also love teaching people to take care of themselves.” Patients are not the only people Poucher brings comfort and care to, as she is also the loving mother to two daughters. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her daughters more than anything else.
The advice Poucher has for anyone who wishes to pursue the medical field is as follows: “If you're going to do it, put your heart into it.” She explains that it takes a big heart for helping others to pursue nursing and sometimes it is not for everyone.