Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Cooper BSN, RN.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a child, I knew I always had a passion for not only helping people but inspiring and improving their lives. Whether it was just reciting a poem or acting out a favorite movie, I wanted to make others feel good. My journey to become an RN was not an easy one, as I look back I would like to say that I took the scenic route. Lol. I wasn’t one of the ones who went to college right after high school. And I think that is what molded me to who I am today. When I was younger my grandfather suffered from High Blood Pressure that resulted in several strokes. My first hospital job was on a Neuro Unit, that specializes in Strokes and that is still where I work today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I stated before I took the scenic route, I enjoyed life before I took college seriously. I graduated from high school and received acceptance letters from several universities but I knew I didn’t have that drive that would keep me there. So against everyone’s advice I stayed home and worked full time, supported myself fully but just like everyone said, I felt that something was missing. I got involved in patient care so deeply, from everything such as working in the school nurse’s office, to becoming a Patient Care Tech at a hospital and being promoted to a Telemetry Tech and now a Registered Nurse.
My journey to apply to nursing school was one of the most challenging times ever. I applied to every school that I thought was the right school and received a denial letter after the denial letter. As soon as I applied to a more challenging school that would provide me with a higher degree, I was accepted first round. Through nursing school, because I was already accustomed to being a working adult, I worked Full time which is frowned upon in nursing school. My dean of instruction encouraged me to quit my full-time job because between work, clinical and class time I was going 7 days straight. However, it became a norm for me and I grateful for that experience and the support from my family and friends. I did this for 2.5 years and when I sat for my board exam, I felt confident that I would sit for a minimum of 75 questions and pass on the first try. I did just that. My steps were already ordered. Jeremiah 29:11
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Asaie’s Angels is a non-profit organization that goes out into the community with a group of nurses, social workers, and other medical professionals to serve the community. We do this by offering to host blood pressure screenings, information on low-cost insurance and primary care physicians, and also we have a pharmacist available to offer medication consultations. Being able to go out into the community where most clients don’t have a PCP, or may not feel comfortable asking the “right” type of questions, brings a sense of satisfaction on each of our faces. What sets us apart mainly, is that it’s family-oriented and family run. Aside from medical professionals, there are other treats at the health fair, such as free food, popcorn, snow cones, and water.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would like to give credit to GOD, without him none of this would be possible. A special THANK YOU to my mother who raised me as a single parent and sometimes worked two jobs to make sure I had everything that I needed and wanted. My family who have told me since I was a child, that I am destined for greatness. My close friends, who cheer me on when I get an idea that I can’t let go. And my loving and supportive partner, who goes above and beyond to make sure that I have all that I need.
Contact Info:
- Email: asaiesangels@gmail.com
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