ACLS Instructor Highlight Jessica Lawrence, MSN Ed, RN, CNEcl
Jessica is an ACLS Academy and Cape Cod Community College Nursing Instructor with a passion for learning about the diverse aspects of nursing. She possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge and is always seeking to expand her expertise. Her enthusiasm for continuous education not only enriches her clinical practice but also inspires and energizes her students to embrace the complexities of the nursing profession. Get to know Jessica Lawrence and her love for acquiring knowledge.
Medical Career Experience
Currently: Assistant Professor of Nursing, Cape Cod Community College.
Per diem RN, Vibra Hospital, New Bedford, MA
Per diem RN Clinical Educator, Southcoast Health System
Previously: Lead Clinical Nurse Manager, Behavioral Health Community Partner (BHCP) program, Community Counseling of Bristol County (CCBC)
Adjunct Nursing Faculty, Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School. Teaching LPN
Nurse Educator Internship, Bristol Plymouth Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program, Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School
Education:
Cape Cod Community College, Medical Assistant degree
Southern New Hampshire University, BSN
Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, RN
Spring Arbor University, MSN Ed
You have an extensive background in educating others. Tell us more about the move from clinical care to a career in education. I am a self-proclaimed academic enthusiast. I enjoy all aspects of learning – educating myself, teaching others, and exposing nursing students to the many facets of our profession. In my first job out of nursing school, I was on a teaching floor at a long-term care facility and I was informed I would play a role in educating Brockton Hospital nursing students, which thrilled me having graduated from that program. When these nursing students interacted with my unit, I was responsible for orienting them to the floor, helping them understand the outline of the day, treatments, and patient progression. This was my first exposure to teaching and mentoring others and I found I loved it. I was hooked and realized an educator role suited me.
When I decided to go back to school for my Master's in Nursing, I initially embarked upon a dual MSN and MBA degree but realized early in the program. I didn’t enjoy the business aspect and immediately pivoted to the Nurse Educator track. Upon receiving my MSN Ed, I didn’t have plans to obtain a position in education but serendipitously, I saw an open role at Cape Cod Community College, where I received my Medical Assistant degree and decided this was the sign for me to make the transition.
However, I haven’t fully abandoned clinical nursing as I think it is really important as a nursing educator to keep clinical skills fresh. I work as a per diem nurse at Vibra Hospital, a pulmonary hospital, in New Bedford. I believe students benefit from instruction when their instructor applies clinical application and relevancy, so I continue to work in a clinical setting to keep my skills fresh.
What aspect of teaching do you enjoy most?
I love advising students and witnessing their 'a-ha' moments when a concept suddenly clicks for them. It is incredibly rewarding to see them progress from the fundamentals to a more advanced curriculum, ultimately passing their RN exams and developing into professional nurses. As I am an evening and weekend Nursing Instructor at Cape Cod Community College, I instruct the full curriculum and observe the full progression of the student’s learning.
I also cherish the lifelong learning aspect of nursing, continually satisfying my ongoing thirst for knowledge. The nursing profession is incredibly broad, with numerous facets and specialties that I love exploring through academia. I believe my passion for the profession and its vast opportunities shines through in my instruction to my students.
How do you incorporate your clinical experience into your teaching methods and curriculum? As I am an instructor for all classes in the Nursing program at Cape Cod Community College, I have an expansive knowledge of the entire curriculum which is why maintaining an ongoing and active clinical nursing role is extremely beneficial. I feel I owe it to my students to maintain that clinical knowledge and skills so I can incorporate them into my instruction.
Another aspect I bring to my students as an experienced and active clinical nurse is the insight into the culture of nursing. It is so important the students understand the culture which isn’t typically part of a formal nursing curriculum, where skills training and critical thinking are the focus. Yet every hospital or healthcare facility has its own unique culture and I find it important the students receive some type of understanding as to what to expect in that respect – a fast-paced environment requiring exceptional critical thinking skills and a high level of physical, emotional, and mental strength.
How did you find your way to becoming an instructor for ACLS Academy and what do you teach? Two years ago when it was time for my BLS recertification, I enjoyed my class with Chad so much, that I asked if they were interested in taking on new instructors. I now teach BLS, CPR, and First Aid at ACLS Academy and am working on my ACLS Instructor certification.
What is one piece of advice you’ve received that has resonated/guided you? Lead by example. My Psychology instructor when I was in nursing school spoke a lot about the importance of leadership and how it trickles down. You have to find it within yourself, even if it doesn’t come naturally, to stand up for what you believe in and lead.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring nurses who are beginning their careers? Nursing is your economic engine and financially a nursing career can provide a good income, however, you need to care of yourself – physically, emotionally, and mentally – to prevent burnout and the cessation of your nursing career. There is so much burnout in the nursing profession and educating the students on the culture they should expect as well as coaching them to find the right nursing specialty for their interests and strengths, and recognizing their limitations can help avoid burnout. I also advise them they have the option of saying “no”. They don’t have to always say yes to everything.
One of the tools I teach my students early in the program is something as simple as mindful breathing before exams. I advise them to carry that into the clinical setting, so they can self-regulate and be self-aware. I pass these tools on to my students because I found them helpful, but had to discover them myself as no one was teaching this type of holistic approach to nurses in the past. I want my nursing students to have a long, healthy career and self-care is really important in attaining this. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are recognizing a holistic approach to the care of their nursing staff is in their best interests because of the levels of professional burnout, however, I haven’t found the academic community addressing it, so I do informally in my classes.
Favorite things outside of work? Tough question because I love to work and in addition to being my career, nursing is also my hobby. I’m constantly researching various aspects of nursing and spend a lot of time outside of both my jobs learning more. I have 3 children and 2 dogs and do love spending time with them and my husband in Maine.
Your happy place? Anywhere near the water but I am particularly fond of Onset Beach. I also love Portland Maine.
Preferred Music Genre and/or favorite performers: I’m a dedicated Grateful Deadhead. Their music changed my life. I’ve seen them many times, including the years with John Mayer as part of the group. I saw them at Fenway last year as part of their Farewell tour but they aren’t completely gone as they have a 3 month residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. If they extend it, who knows, I might be Vegas-bound.
