Jessica Carroll MSN, RN

Professor of Registered Nursing

Welcome, Jessica

What is your role at Merced College?

I teach the second semester of the Registered Nursing program, where students are introduced to medical-surgical nursing. In this class, we build on the learned prerequisite courses as students begin to apply nursing concepts to real patients in the hospital setting.

I also teach the LVN-RN Bridge program. This nine-week course is for licensed vocational nurses who would like to advance in their career. The Bridge prepares students to jump into the Registered Nursing program so they can complete their journey without delay.

What part of your job do you enjoy most?

There is so much about my job that I love. One of my favorite things is getting to be a part of my students’ journey through sharing my wisdom and providing inspiration. They put their own loved ones on hold to dedicate two years to learning how to better take care of others. Choosing a career in nursing is choosing to put the public before yourself.

Our graduating pinning ceremonies is another of my favorites. We get to know each student, what motivates them and when they need encouragement. Watching their hard work pay off as their friends and family beam with pride is such a special moment that I feel grateful to be a part of.

Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?

I am a local from the small-town farming region of Le Grand. My husband of eight years and I enjoy being a part of this community. We have set down our roots and look forward to growing in our careers.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy playing in the garden with my boys Colton (5) and Connor (2). I also love to read, listen to good music and practice yoga.

How do you see your work or your role evolving in the next few years?

I am very lucky to be a part of an organization where creativity and inspiration are encouraged. I look forward to helping the world of nursing evolve with new ideas. I encourage my students to question common practices and to create a life of balance by taking care of their own health and well-being, as well.

I also am a firm believer in cultivating a happy nurse. I ask my students to find what inspires them and to seek it out. There are so many specialties of nursing that everyone should be able to find one that fits them and that they can prosper in, whether it’s informatics, pediatrics, or flight nursing.