Joyce Nichols facts for kids
Joyce Nichols (born Clayton, June 28, 1940 - July 29, 2012) was an amazing American physician assistant (PA). She made history by becoming the very first woman to be certified as a PA! Joyce graduated from the Duke University Medical Center program in 1970. She helped many people get the healthcare they needed, especially in small towns.
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Joyce Nichols' Early Life
Joyce Clayton was born on June 28, 1940, in Roxboro, North Carolina. She got married when she was 16 years old. Even though she was married, her parents encouraged her to finish high school.
After high school, Joyce went to beauty school. Later, she attended Carolina College, which is now North Carolina Central University. She studied psychology there. However, she had to stop her studies because she ran out of money.
Becoming a Nurse
In 1965, Joyce Nichols received a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to study to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). After she graduated in 1966, she started working. She worked in the heart care unit at Duke Hospital.
While working at the hospital, Joyce learned about a new program. It was for people who wanted to become a physician's assistant (PA). This program was at the Duke University Medical Center.
Joining the PA Program
At first, the PA program mostly had men. Many of them had been Navy corpsmen, helping doctors in the military. The program was not sure about letting a woman like Joyce join.
But Doctor Eugene Stead, who created the PA program, encouraged her to apply. Joyce was accepted into the program! She also fought to get the same financial support, called a stipend, as the men in the program.
During her training, Joyce kept working in the heart unit. She needed to support her family. In 1969, her family lost their home in a fire. The teachers and students at the PA school helped raise money for Joyce's family. Joyce Nichols graduated in 1970. She became the first woman to earn a degree as a PA.
Helping Rural Communities
After graduating, Joyce Nichols received help to open a health clinic. Doctor E. Harvey Estes Jr. helped her get the money she needed. This clinic was in a small, country area.
Joyce worked in Rougemont and Bahama for two years. She gave preventative healthcare to people there. These people had not had easy access to doctors before. Preventative healthcare means helping people stay healthy and avoid getting sick.
In 1972, she moved to the Lincoln Community Health Center. She kept helping people in rural communities get healthcare. Joyce Nichols worked there until she retired in 1995. Even after retiring, she stayed active in her community. She helped raise money for healthcare and volunteered in political campaigns.
Later Life and Legacy
Joyce Nichols passed away at her home in Durham, North Carolina. She died on July 29, 2012. She is remembered for being a pioneer. She opened doors for women in the physician assistant field. She also made sure many people in small towns could get good medical care.
