Everyday Heroes 50-year-old finds calling as a registered nurse

Jessica Dame Carroll, 50, shifted her career from medical research to nursing after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 made her appreciate the role of nurses. Teaching nursing students at the time, she was inspired by their compassion and work ethic, prompting her to pursue a nursing degree. In 2022, she enrolled in Portland Community College to complete her pre-requisite courses before joining Concordia St. Paul's Accelerated Nursing Program, graduating in December 2024. Shortly after, she passed the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.

Currently, Carroll is in a 12-month residency at Kaiser Permanente, caring for patients recovering from cardiovascular surgery. She believes her personal health experiences and professional background enhance her nursing practice. Carroll's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to discover one's true calling in life. Her story highlights the importance of compassionate care in the healthcare field.