What do you think?
Rate this book
Pushing Forward: A Memoir
A Life of Beating Low Expectations and Rising to ChallengesWhen society expected women to marry and raise children, Lynne Barber Vigesaa chose a different path. But pursuing her dreams meant facing family disapproval, professional skepticism, and the constant challenge of proving herself in a man's world.
Pushing Forward chronicles her journey from establishing Washington State's first independent nurse practitioner clinic to serving as medical director of a major healthcare facility. She pioneered roles that didn't exist for nurses, revealing both the cost of breaking barriers and the profound rewards of refusing to accept limitations.
Through Lynne's candid story, you'll
A young woman defying an era's narrow expectations for her genderThe establishment of groundbreaking medical practices in rural communitiesComplex family relationships tested by unconventional choicesThe evolution of nursing from a traditional role to advanced practiceMountain peaks conquered and professional summits achievedThis is more than a memoir of medical milestones—it's proof that one woman's determination to push forward can reshape not just her own destiny, but an entire profession.
Pushing Forward chronicles her journey from establishing Washington State's first independent nurse practitioner clinic to serving as medical director of a major healthcare facility. She pioneered roles that didn't exist for nurses, revealing both the cost of breaking barriers and the profound rewards of refusing to accept limitations.
Through Lynne's candid story, you'll
A young woman defying an era's narrow expectations for her genderThe establishment of groundbreaking medical practices in rural communitiesComplex family relationships tested by unconventional choicesThe evolution of nursing from a traditional role to advanced practiceMountain peaks conquered and professional summits achievedThis is more than a memoir of medical milestones—it's proof that one woman's determination to push forward can reshape not just her own destiny, but an entire profession.
302 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2025
3 people are currently reading
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 15, 2026
The Origins of the Nurse Practitioner Profession in Washington State
Lynne Barber and Gretchen Schodde, experienced Registered Nurses, underwent 9 weeks of intensive training in preparation for running a primary clinic in rural Darrington, Washington. This town had been without a physician for several years and the need was dire. Gretchen and Lynne rose to meet the need and blazed the trail for the recognition of the Nurse Practitioner as an important component of healthcare service delivery. Lynn's descriptions of their years in Darrington are informative and inspiring.
The rest of the book is biographical and rhapsodizes about the beauty of nature in Washington State and beyond, the adventures of international travel, and the satisfaction of personal physical challenging. She also discusses the effects of strained familial relationships and devastating outcomes of mental illness.
While I read this book eagerly and am awed by Lynn's story, I am dismayed that she names names. Some of the characters in her story should remain anonymous.
Lynne Barber and Gretchen Schodde, experienced Registered Nurses, underwent 9 weeks of intensive training in preparation for running a primary clinic in rural Darrington, Washington. This town had been without a physician for several years and the need was dire. Gretchen and Lynne rose to meet the need and blazed the trail for the recognition of the Nurse Practitioner as an important component of healthcare service delivery. Lynn's descriptions of their years in Darrington are informative and inspiring.
The rest of the book is biographical and rhapsodizes about the beauty of nature in Washington State and beyond, the adventures of international travel, and the satisfaction of personal physical challenging. She also discusses the effects of strained familial relationships and devastating outcomes of mental illness.
While I read this book eagerly and am awed by Lynn's story, I am dismayed that she names names. Some of the characters in her story should remain anonymous.
Displaying 1 of 1 review