Q&A with an Alumnus: Jacqueline Scott
In this first edition of Q&A with an Alumnus, we interviewed recent graduate Jacqueline Scott, BSN '16. Scott originally thought her road to becoming a registered nurse would be with a budget-friendly community college. However, after attending Duke Days, her eyes were opened and she knew that Duke was the place for her.
Read on to learn how Duke prepared Scott for a career in nursing and what she's learned since graduating nursing school.
Q: How do you feel Duke prepared you for a career in nursing?
A: When I attended Duke Days, I was stunned at the caliber of academia and the omniscience of Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) greats like Meg Carman and Lisa Day. The school is a community with an overwhelming sense of fostering. From that day on, I knew that DUSON was out for my personal success and that my role to becoming a registered nurse had to be via Duke.
The 16-month ABSN program prepared me well for passing the boards, and the extensive clinical hours allowed me to go into my first shift with great confidence as Jacqueline Scott, RN. I learned a lot about nursing in those 16 months, and equally important, I learned a lot about myself. There were many moments of self-doubt and feelings of defeat. Yet, there were incredible moments of reflection and growth as I learned from mistakes and grew into my confidence.
Staff and faculty were key players in helping me be successful. From Susie Watson, senior financial aid counselor, mentoring me in the financial aid process to Janene Schneider, director of alumni relations and annual programs, allying current students with alumni, and professors spending extra time after class to explain ejection fractions when it's five o'clock and my brain was beyond muddled from the extensive day. Duke provides all the tools for success and ensures that you are not just a number.
Duke Health and University are known for being ahead of the curve, and this extends to the accomplished faculty that are always diligently working on groundbreaking research. I have always felt a natural inclination to be a leader, and I felt that at Duke this trait would be highlighted and further encouraged as I teamed with like-minded individuals with a veracity for knowledge.
When it came time to apply for jobs, I received encouragement and guidance from faculty. So much so that I landed my dream job at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Children's Hospital. I am honored to have entered into the echelon of DUSON excellence.
Q: How do you stay connected to Duke and Duke School of Nursing?
A: I continue to stay involved with DUSON by assisting with graduation and attending alumni events such as the School of Nursing luncheons at the Prestonwood Country Club. I enjoy staying in the loop with current students, as I was just recently in their shoes, as well as networking with alumni.
During my time as a student, I served as social chair for the School of Nursing Student Council, and as an alumni, I continue to act as a resource for hosting social events to bridge the gap between DUSON and other graduate programs. I am still involved with the Student Council in merchandise sales, which allow students to show their DUSON pride.
Q: What is the one thing you wish someone would have told you for your first year after nursing school?
A: I wish someone told me to give myself grace. It is not something that is taught, but new graduate nurses need this reminder. We can sometimes feel we are doing the bare minimum and are novices, so I am now telling all current students and recent graduates to give yourself grace! You are not perfect, but I want to encourage you to walk away from a rough day at work with two figments of reflection — an area of improvement and an area where you shined.
Giving yourself grace also applies to outside of the workplace. DUSON teaches about self-care and rightfully so! It is important to stay grounded personally, socially, physically and mentally through other various avenues of passion.