Trish (Voorhes) Corbett, graduated from PVHS in 1999. Today, she is a respected ER and Cardiac Nurse, making a significant impact on the community in Flagstaff, AZ. Trish’s journey from high school to her current role has been marked by perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Reflecting on her time at PVHS, Trish fondly recalls the strong sense of community and the supportive environment that shaped her formative years. “I was blessed with a good friend group and supportive teachers,” she says. This nurturing atmosphere helped cultivate her lifelong love of learning and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
After high school, Trish pursued higher education with determination and vigor, earning three Bachelor of Science degrees in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Nursing. Originally aiming for medical school, she decided in her senior year of college that becoming a doctor was not her true calling. “You don’t change majors the last semester of your senior year,” she explains. Instead, she completed her degrees and became a paralegal to pay for college.
Trish’s career took a pivotal turn when she moved to the East Coast and later Tucson. There, she found a program that offered to pay for nursing school in exchange for a job at a local hospital post-graduation. This opportunity marked the beginning of her nursing career. “Becoming a nurse was one of the best decisions I ever made. I LOVE being a nurse,” she exclaims.
Over the past 18 years, Trish has achieved numerous milestones in her professional life. She treasures “every smile, every hug, every life saved” as key achievements that remind her of the profound impact she has on her patients’ lives. Her journey has been driven by compassion, empathy, advocacy, and a desire to make a tangible difference.
One of the most significant influences in Trish’s career has been the people she has met along the way. “My journey to become a nurse was inspired by a convergence of factors: compassion, empathy, advocacy, and the desire to make a tangible impact in the lives of others,” she explains. These values have guided her through the challenges she has faced, teaching her to trust her instincts and never underestimate the power of listening.
Like any career, nursing has presented its challenges. Trish has learned to trust her instincts and never underestimate the power of listening. She emphasizes the importance of self-care for those in the nursing profession. “Take time to decompress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sleep well, eat well, stay hydrated, and exercise,” she advises. By maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal interests, Trish avoids burnout and stays passionate about her work.
For those aspiring to follow a similar path, Trish offers valuable advice. “Nurses tend to be some of the most selfless and dedicated people, always putting the needs of others before their own. Take care of yourself. Take time to decompress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sleep well, eat well, stay hydrated, and exercise. Make sure you devote time to family, friends, and hobbies outside of work. It will help you avoid burnout and keep you passionate about nursing.”
Despite her demanding career, Trish finds balance through her personal interests and family life. Married for 20 years, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jason, two cats, and a dog. She loves to cook, run ultras, hike, and read. Her flexible work schedule, consisting of three twelve-hour days a week, allows her to pursue these hobbies and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Trish remains connected to PVHS through a few select friends and cherishes the memories of her high school years. Her future career goals are simple yet profound: she loves being a nurse and doesn’t plan on changing that. Currently, she is training for a 200-mile trail run in Oregon at the end of August, a testament to her dedication and endurance both in her personal and professional life.
Trish’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her journey from a high school graduate to a dedicated nurse serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of following one’s passion and continually striving for excellence.
