Her Story
About Pamela
Pamela Thompkins is a dedicated registered nurse with more than three decades of progressive healthcare experience spanning clinical, military, and community settings. Her career began as a certified nursing assistant before advancing to medical assistant, licensed practical nurse, and ultimately registered nurse, reflecting her lifelong commitment to patient care and professional growth. Currently serving as a Registered Nurse with the University of Virginia in Same Day Care, Pamela provides compassionate, patient-centered care while drawing on a diverse clinical background that includes long-term care, family practice, medical-surgical nursing, orthopedics, military medicine, and care for underserved populations.
Throughout her career, Pamela has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and leadership while caring for patients across every stage of life. Her experience includes supporting military readiness through large-scale deployment health initiatives, organizing short-notice medical readiness events, and leading high-volume vaccination clinics that served hundreds of children in a single day. Her dedication to excellence has earned her multiple recognitions, including a Nurse Star Award for going above and beyond during a surge in patient care demands and a Command Sergeant Major's coin in recognition of her contributions to military healthcare operations. Despite the challenges of frequent relocations throughout her husband's military career, Pamela remained steadfast in pursuing her education and professional goals, continually advancing her skills while mentoring colleagues and training new clinical staff.
Pamela is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Virginia while preparing for advanced practice as a Nurse Practitioner. She believes nursing offers endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact, from informatics and community health to primary care and population health. Pamela attributes her success to resilience, determination, and a calling to nursing that began at just 14 years old. Guided by the values of honesty, kindness, and service, she is actively involved in her church and community through volunteer work, outreach programs, food and clothing drives, and educational initiatives. Her passion for caring for others continues to inspire both her professional practice and her commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Pamela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my resilience. From the age of 14 I had a focus on what I was intended to do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't doubt yourself. Follow your calling. Failure is not the end; it's a lesson.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You're still alive. You have the ability to do this and don't put your dreams aside. Keep going! You can do it!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is not having enough staff or help.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and kindness are the most important values to me in my work and personal life.
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