School nurse fights to return to her life, job, and simple joys with the help of Inspira Rehab Care

Surviving a brain injury at any age can be a devastating, life-altering experience, physically and mentally. Daily activities, both simple and complex, like walking, driving, eating, writing or using a keyboard can be affected. 

That was the case for Tamisha Jones, a registered nurse who lives in Pennsville and has worked for years in the Bridgeton school system. She has lived through the effects of three brain-related medical events, and surgeries to repair them, over sixteen years. She is only forty-five years old.

In 2008, while in nursing school, Tamisha had her first brain bleed. She had no known risk factors. After treatment and recovery, she finished her nursing degree. Then in 2011, while working as a floor nurse in a hospital, she had a second bleed. This time she was hospitalized for nearly nine months and unable to work for nearly four years. In April 2024, after a surgery for an unrelated condition, she got the news that two cerebral aneurysms had been discovered and would need to be treated. 

A cerebral (or brain) aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can quickly become life-threatening.

“It was devastating,” she said. “I had been working as school nurse for years and ready to get back to a job I loved after my surgery. Now I was facing more surgery and whole new set of challenges. I didn’t know what to expect from the treatment.” 

Following surgery to repair the aneurysms, Tamisha needed physical and occupational therapy to return to fully independent function. That’s when she turned to Inspira Health Center Bridgeton. 

“That was a great decision,” she said. “Right from the start I have felt supported and encouraged by my therapists.” 

Her team included Heidi Wesztergom, P.T., Denise Brandenberger, P.T.A., and Julie Hiles, O.T.

Though her experience has not been without significant challenges, Tamisha has managed to keep her attitude and perspective overwhelmingly positive. Today, she credits the trio of Inspira physical and occupational therapy professionals with helping her work toward her goals of returning to a job she loves and doing things like creating artwork, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and reconnecting with friends and family.

“I am so thankful for my team at Inspira,” Tamisha said. “All of them are absolutely amazing. They show professionalism and empathy. They take time to explain every exercise. They adjust plans as needed. They listen to me and never make me feel I ask too many questions, even when I ask them to repeat things.”

With their help, Tamisha has made strong gains. She is currently walking with only a cane for assistance and is able to complete most daily tasks independently. Her ability to see the silver lining in these physical challenges is remarkable.

“Meeting people, including my therapy team and other patients has been a blessing,” she said. “My perspective is that if I didn’t have this to overcome, I wouldn’t have met so many great people. Throughout this journey, I have learned that every interaction I have with another person is a chance to encourage them and help them face their challenges. It’s social therapy for me as well.”

“Something like this could get a bit discouraging. It was completely life changing – for the third time – and I’m only forty-five years old. But with the help of my parents, my faith, and my Inspira team, I am figuring it out. The actual therapy and care has been very attentive, of course, but even more than that, Inspira has given me confidence and a new perspective. The support staff there has been integral in my recovery as well, helping me figure out insurance and other paperwork issues. The people at Inspira have given me tools to maintain my positive attitude. I now look forward to restoring all the joys in my life that lost to these injuries. I can’t wait to get back to school nursing.”