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Meet the Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) - Debra Pierce-Robinson

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VA provides primary and specialty health care — including reproductive health care and 7 days of newborn care — to women Veterans. Women Veteran Program Managers are available at each VA medical center nationwide to advise, advocate, and coordinate care for women Veterans.

  1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born on May 24th (Gemini) to the parents of Leon and Marie Horton Pierce in Vicksburg (Warren County) Mississippi. I am a resident of Ridgeland (Madison County), Mississippi. I have two adult (Female & Male) children, two granddaughters and one great grandson. I am the 3rd of 7 siblings. I am a graduate of Vicksburg High School. Shortly after high school, I moved to Grand Rapids Michigan with the intent to attend Nursing school at the University of Michigan. I was a resident for over a year and decided that there was no place like home. I enrolled and graduated  from Hinds County Jr. College, Alcorn State University, University of Phoenix, and American Intercontinental University. I hold the following degrees: MBA-HCM and BSN. I am a member of Unity Fellowship Baptist church.

  1. Tell me how you came to work at the VA?

I was employed as a nurse in Vicksburg and every off day to include vacation days, I spent them socializing with my sister and her friends at the Military Entrance Processing station (MEPS) here in Jackson. One day one of the friends asked that I apply for a nursing position at the VA so that I would always be here with them. I really loved my job in Vicksburg but to her request, I stopped by the VA and applied (paper documents) for a nursing position and I was interviewed and hired immediately. However, I needed to at least give my current employer two weeks’ notice. After which… here I am!

How long have you worked for VA, and what roles have you had at the VA?

I have worked for VA for 35 years and 4 months. I started out as staff nurse on the busiest 40 bed wards (4A and 4C) where I was often the only RN with maybe 1 or 2 LPNs and 1 Nursing Assistant. We did not have computer (electronic records systems) but had to document in paper charts, handwritten care plans and medication cards. We poured our medicines from stocked shelves. I have served as preceptor to many nurses. I then moved to the ER as staff/charge nurse and tele-phone advice nurse. I was charge nurse for  Primary care upon their initial openings (Purple and Green). I then returned to the ER as nurse manager. After which , I continued  my VA journey as clinical review (documentation) nurse and upon the first CBOC opening, was selected as Nurse care manager for the clinics. I also worked as EPRP coordinator. I was detailed in 2016 as the Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) and after orienting others to the position who eventually decided that the position was not for them, I applied and was selected permanently. I currently still hold this position.

  1. How does serving Veterans each day impact you personally?

I have had and currently have family members who are military members. I have cared for friends and family members who have and are serving. I take great pride in assisting Veterans who served so that we can enjoy this American privilege.

  1. What is an interesting fact that many do not know about you?

I have been a nurse for over 40 years. My nursing career began at Kuhn Memorial State Hospital in Vicksburg Mississippi as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. I had to deliver babies where moms of precipitous deliveries with my last via an ambulance in route to the University hospital. I also worked Pediatrics, Med-Surg and before deciding to end my employment there, I was supervisor of the emergency department. I am of retirement age.

  1. What do you do for fun?

I love sports, especially watching my Alcorn State University Braves. I also love to bowl. I am a professional shopper for you will see me if you frequent the shopping malls. I lave to fish, boat riding to and ride horses.

  1. Are you a Veteran? If so, what branch of service.

I am a USA-NC Veteran,  and my branch of service was Army (HOOAH)!

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also help you with issues such as: