Jessica Swanson’s South County Health journey began more than a decade ago, starting as a high school volunteer and growing into a leadership role as a charge nurse on the Telemetry unit. Her story is one of dedication, continuous learning, and a deep appreciation for the colleagues who have supported her along the way.
Tell us about your career path at SCH.
“In 2013, I became a volunteer at SCH as part of my career and tech internship in my senior year of high school. I then returned to SCH in 2015 as a PCT on the Telemetry unit. I believe some time in 2017, I took the cardiac rhythms class and became a monitor tech/unit secretary. I worked as both a PCT and monitor tech/WS full time. In 2021, I became an RN and took a full time night position on Telemetry. About 6 months-1 year after beginning as an RN, I began working as a charge nurse before accepting a full-time, night shift, Charge RN position on Telemetry in 2023.”
Who has been a mentor to you, and how were you supported along the way?
“One of my most memorable mentors since first starting at SCH was Martha Main who unfortunately is no longer with us. She mentored me as a PCT, throughout nursing school, and then as an RN. In general, the best mentors have been my colleagues on the unit and in the ICU who were always willing to answer my questions while learning.”
What SCH benefits have you found valuable in supporting your development?
“When I was in nursing school, the education reimbursement was helpful in allowing me to graduate with no debt. Yearly skill fairs are helpful to remind us of skills we may not perform often.”
Tell us about education or certifications that have prepared you for your role.
“I went to nursing school at RIC and spent my final semester clinical in an ED which I feel helped me tremendously with my clinical skills, especially after losing quite a bit of clinical time due to COVID. At SCH, I feel as though working on my unit for about 7/8 years, watching the nurses closely, and asking questions helped prepare me, in addition to courses such as ACLS, the cardiac rhythms course, and skills fairs.”
What has kept you at SCH for so many years?
“The people I work with. Though I have worked with many different people over the past 11 years, F2 has always felt like family.”
What advice would you share with colleagues interested in a similar path?
“Never stop learning or asking questions. Pay close attention to those with more experience than you and the knowledge you gain over time will make your job easier.”
Tell us a little about your family or what you enjoy doing in your personal time.
“I just recently got engaged at the end of November and have a son turning 1 this December, as well as a 3-year-old retriever mix puppy. I spend as much time with my family as possible.”
