Hope is the foundation that gives us purpose, but it must be paired with a plan, action, and execution.
Jessica Buckley, MHA, BSN, RN, HCAP-CMS · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Buckley is a healthcare leader in the United States with more than 20 years of progressive experience in clinical and leadership roles. She currently serves as a Practice Manager at Pikeville Medical Center, where she oversees the operational coordination of multiple ambulatory service lines, including urology, gastroenterology, general surgery, and interventional radiology. Her work focuses on improving clinical workflows, ensuring effective referral management, and supporting high-quality, patient-centered care in a rural healthcare setting. She began her career at the same hospital system as an operating room technician and later advanced her education to become a registered nurse. Over time, she moved through a series of leadership positions, including service line coordinator in the operating room, PACU Clinical Manager, Director and Executive Director of Surgery, and Performance Improvement Director. This steady progression reflects her deep clinical expertise combined with growing responsibility in healthcare operations and system-wide performance improvement. Jessica recently earned her Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), further strengthening her leadership in healthcare management. She has also been recognized for her involvement in leadership development programs, including Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT, and her election to the Kentucky Hospital Association Youth Advisory Board. She is currently preparing for board certification in ambulatory care nursing and remains committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural Appalachian communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep love for my community and my commitment to meeting the needs I see every day. Growing up in a very rural area of Appalachia shaped my desire for a career in service, and the challenges our region faces, especially in healthcare access and disparities, continue to motivate me both personally and professionally. My family has also played a major role in my journey, especially my husband Steve, a nurse who has been my mentor for many years. He has consistently encouraged me to reach higher, pursue growth, and believe in my abilities. His support and our shared passion for serving others continue to inspire me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was, “Hope is not a strategy.” Hope is the cornerstone of human existence, and we all need it. But if you truly want to grow and achieve your goals, hope alone is not enough. Success requires intention, hard work, and a plan. You have to be strategic, put in the effort, and prepare yourself to succeed. I have carried that advice throughout my career, recognizing that while hope inspires us, it is discipline, planning, and perseverance that turn aspirations into reality.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to women entering the healthcare field is to stay grounded in your purpose and never lose sight of why you chose this work. Healthcare can be challenging and constantly changing, but your passion for helping others will carry you through difficult days.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I see in my field are the limited resources available to bridge healthcare disparities, especially when it comes to transportation. In rural Appalachia, access to care is often not just about availability of services, but about whether patients can physically get to them. This barrier impacts follow-up care, chronic disease management, and overall health outcomes, and it remains one of the most difficult challenges we face in our region.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are community service, family, and leading with intention. My family is really my focus when I'm not at the hospital. I love spending time with my husband, who is also a nurse, and my mother, who is also a nurse, and they both work at the same facility. I have two school-aged children that take a lot of my time. Primarily, my family is my focus outside of work. At work, I believe in staying grounded, being part of the culture, and leading by example. My love for my community and seeing the needs they have drives me both personally and professionally.
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