Domestic Violence Survivor Pursues Nursing Degree At RCBC

A woman who was in an abusive marriage for many years is now financially independent and pursuing a degree at Rowan College at Burlington County, according to the college.

Jessica O’Shea, an Army National Guard officer and domestic violence survivor, recently shared her story with the college in an effort to give other victims of domestic violence hope.

According to the most recent statistics, Burlington County reported 3,821 domestic violence offenses in just one year.

“My advice for other women in a similar situation is to stick to what you can do and the resources that will move you forward,” O’Shea said.

The 35-year-old mother of four is now pursuing a nursing degree at the college. However, for nearly a decade, she was a stay-at-home mom who was stuck in an abusive marriage because she couldn’t afford to support her family.

She was eventually able to secure a job with the New Jersey Army National Guard Medical Detachment after reaching out to a commander in the state.

She filed for divorce after her husband was arrested and disciplined by the military. Using her military benefits, O’Shea went back to school for nursing.

She is taking advantage of Rowan College at Burlington County’s 3+1 nursing program with Rowan University that allows students to earn their bachelor’s of science in nursing for a fraction of the cost. She was also recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the New Jersey League for Nursing.

“Domestic violence affects the mind, body and spirit,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr. Michael Cioce said. “The fact that Jessica has had the persistence and courage to find a better future for herself and her family is an inspiration to others who may feel the same way she once did. Rowan College at Burlington County is here to help everyone achieve their goals to transform their lives.”

In addition to raising four boys and being a full-time student, she works full-time for the New Jersey Army National Guard in Sea Girt in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, as well as the Medical Command.

“I'm blessed for the community I’ve had both in and out of the military,” O’Shea said. “I look forward to moving in a positive direction.”

After she finishes the 3+1 program, O’Shea wants to work in an intensive care unit or emergency department for two years and then become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. She would like to eventually work in a humanitarian capacity with a focus on first-line trauma care.

“I love serving,” O’Shea said. “In medicine, you have the ability to change someone’s life.”

Anyone who is or knows someone who is a domestic violence victim, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), or Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities at 1-800-360-7711.

Rowan College at Burlington County also offers students free behavioral health counseling in the Student Success Center. To speak with a behavioral health counselor, call 856-222-9311, ext. 1582 or visit rcbc.edu/counseling.

The attached image of Jessica O’Shea was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County.