Fluvanna Faces: Dr. Jessica DiGiorgio DNP, FNP-C
Jessica, are you a native of Fluvanna County? If not, why did you move here?
I am not a native of Fluvanna County. I am originally from a small town called Indiana, Pennsylvania, which is located northeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A fun fact about Indiana is that it is the birthplace of Jimmy Stewart, who is most known for his role in It’s a Wonderful Life. When I first moved to Virginia, I moved to Lynchburg to attend Liberty University. I then moved to Charlottesville to work at UVA Health System. Once I took a job at the Fluvanna Health Clinic with Amy Beyer, FNP-C, my husband Nick, and I moved to Fluvanna County in August 2023.
Tell us about yourself
I first started serving the community of Fluvanna in 2021 when I was placed with Amy Beyer for my family nurse practitioner clinicals. At this time, I fell in love with the community and knew I wanted to work here following graduation. In June of 2023, I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation at Liberty University, which included an evidence-based practice project. As a result of the project, I implemented the United States Preventive Services Taskforce Lung Cancer Screenings at the Fluvanna Health Clinic. I graduated from Liberty University with my Doctor of Nursing Practice in August of 2023. I enjoy caring for others as it is my ministry, and I am very passionate about the well-being of the community.
Why did you decide to become a nurse practitioner?
I became a nurse practitioner because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. In this role, I get to care for others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As a family nurse practitioner, I can assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages throughout the life span. Providing competent holistic patient care is my goal, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of the community.
What does DNP stand for? What were the educational requirements to obtain your DNP?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing practice. This is a nurse practitioner who is doctorally prepared. To obtain my DNP, I first had to complete a 4-year program to acquire my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Two years after obtaining my BSN, I went back to school for my DNP. This program was a three-year program that was year-round. In addition to full-time schooling, during this time I sat for my family nurse practitioner certification and I defended my doctoral dissertation. I graduated in August of 2023.
Where do you now practice?
I currently practice at the Fluvanna Health Clinic and Fluvanna Health and Wellness here in Fluvanna County with Amy Beyer, FNP-C. Fluvanna Health Clinic provides insurance based primary care and we’ve recently added on a new service line under the business name Fluvanna Health and Wellness. Fluvanna Health and Wellness provides us the opportunity to offer weight loss medication services not covered by many insurance companies along with drug screening and employment physicals.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself here in Fluvanna County continuing to help the Fluvanna Health Clinic and Fluvanna Health and Wellness grow. I also would like to mentor nurse practitioner students, potentially teach an online class at Liberty University, and obtain my Botox certification.
What is your favorite quote?
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God which is why we call it the present.” – Bill Keane
Any hobbies?
In my sparse free time, I enjoy being outside and hiking. I also enjoy working out and running. I also enjoy traveling to new places with my husband. I am also an active member of my church, Center Church. My husband Nick and I host a Bible study at our home every Tuesday and enjoy spending time with everyone who attends.
What was the most important event in your life?
The most important event in my life is when I gave my life to Jesus. My life has changed for the better since Jesus saved me! I want to share my joy with others in the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus as a nurse practitioner at the clinic.
