Beacon nurse shows strength, confidence and resilience at work and in national competitions

Jordan Tighe competing in the Under 25 National Championship.

Clocking into her nursing shift at Beacon is actually very similar to the way Jordan Tighe steps onto the platform during a weightlifting competition.

“You never know what the outcome of the day will be,” the Memorial Hospital RN said. “But I always put my best foot forward.”

This is quite clear from the big accomplishments Jordan recently celebrated at work and on the mat.

She has marked five years as a registered nurse at Beacon. Jordan actually grew up visiting her mom, Jennifer Tighe, who has spent the past 25 years in various roles at Elkhart General Hospital. Jennifer currently serves as administrative assistant in the Emergency Department.

“My mom really motivated me to do something in healthcare,” Jordan said. “No matter what was going on, she always had a smile on her face.”

Jordan’s admiration of her mom is matched by mom’s pride in Jordan. Jennifer talks about her daughter having earned her nursing license by age 20, thanks to taking all her prerequisite classes while she attended high school.

And her daughter’s latest accomplishment? Jordan took second place in the 64-kg weight class at Under 25 National Championship, a weightlifting competition in Colorado Springs.

“I think it’s incredible,” Jennifer said. “My goal is for her to go to the Olympics and one day see her on a box of Wheaties.”

Pursuing her passions

Jordan has been an athlete for years. She was on the power lifting team in high school, even competing in state championships. After graduation, Jordan kept a lookout for something to help her recapture the adrenaline rush of competition.

Jordan Tighe, RN, Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Then about four years ago, she was scrolling on social media and saw an ad.

Local gym offering Olympic weightlifting training.

She was drawn by the technique and strength required in weightlifting.

“I thought it looked really cool,” the South Bend native said. “That’s what hit it off, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Jordan usually trains for about two hours a day, four days a week. She can lift a whopping 340 pounds in a back squat and do a “clean and jerk,” which means lifting a weight from the floor to the shoulder, then over the head, with more than 230 pounds.

In December, Jordan plans to compete in the American Open Finals in Wilmington, N.C.

At the same time, Jordan cares for patients on the Memorial Hospital campus. Nursing can also be physically demanding, so her strength can be an asset. Her role as a nurse is rewarding for other reasons, though.

“A lot of the patients come in struggling with day-to-day life challenges. I can see how their mindset changes, and they’re able to be discharged with a smile on their face. It’s good see,” Jordan said.

With time comes more experience in both her job as a nurse and a weightlifter.

“I remember my first competition just like my first day after orientation as a nurse. The nerves, the excitement, the fear of making mistakes,” she said. “I have become stronger both mentally and physically through gaining confidence and resilience. I am not afraid to ask for help, nor am I ever alone.

“My teammates in the gym and my coworkers at Beacon always have my back.”

Nursing careers at Beacon

At Beacon Health System, we know nurses play a crucial role in patient care and treatment. Our nurses are the heartbeat of our health system. Learn more about opportunities for caring, compassionate and dedicated nurses on our patient care teams.