Charting His Course: Phil Corle’s Path from Military to Medicine – Staff Spotlight
For Phillip Corle, nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling inspired by his grandmother, an operating nurse whose compassion and dedication left a lasting impression. “I always admired her loving and caring nature,” Phil shares. That admiration sparked a lifelong interest in healthcare and set him on a path of service and growth.
Phil began his journey during his senior year of high school, attending Lebanon County Career and Technology Center to earn his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. After graduation, he chose another avenue of service—enlisting in the military. From 2015 to 2020, Phil served on active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, gaining invaluable experience and discipline that would later shape his nursing career.
When his military service ended, Phil returned to Pennsylvania to pursue his dream of becoming a registered nurse. He enrolled at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and graduated in 2023 with his RN degree. His first role was at the Hershey Heart & Vascular Institute ICU, where he cared for critically ill patients and honed his clinical skills. “That experience taught me so much about the complexity of nursing,” Phil says.
In 2024, Phil joined Cornwall Manor as an RN Supervisor—a role he truly enjoys. “Long-term care is unique because you build relationships with residents and their families,” he explains. “Nursing is so vast; there are so many different sides to it.” His passion for learning continued as he earned his bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2025. Now, Phil is taking the next big step: enrolling in graduate school at Millersville to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. His 20-month program will prepare him for a future in primary care, a field he feels drawn to after working closely with Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants at Cornwall Manor.
A Day in Phil’s Life
Phil’s schedule is anything but routine working varied shifts. His responsibilities include reviewing reports, managing lab orders, faxing updates to physicians, checking in with households, and meeting with Administration. He also handles calls from independent living during overnight hours. “Every day is different,” Phil says. “That’s what keeps me motivated.”
Teamwork is central to Phil’s approach. “We all depend on one another,” he emphasizes. “That’s what makes this work rewarding.” His advice for anyone considering nursing? “Shadow an area you think you’d like. Nursing offers many avenues, but expectations are high—lots of studying. Ask questions and always keep learning.”
Outside of Work
Phil lives in Lebanon County with his wife, Sarah, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and their 8-month-old son, Micah. Family time is precious, and they’re looking forward to a Disney trip in the spring. When he’s not working or studying, Phil enjoys hunting and going to the gym—activities that help him recharge and stay balanced.
