Jessie Vital Jackson, BSN, RN

I attribute my success to my ambition, determination, and strong work ethic. I came from humble beginnings. While my parents always did the best they could, I was motivated from an early age to create greater opportunities for myself. I was fortunate to have strong role models who demonstrated the value of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. Their example inspired me to continually challenge myself, pursue new opportunities, and always strive to do my best.

The best career advice I have ever received is to follow your passion. I believe that a fulfilling career is about much more than earning a good income; it is about finding work that gives you a sense of purpose and allows you to make a meaningful difference. For many years, I never felt like I was simply going to work because I genuinely loved what I did, valued the people I worked alongside, and found fulfillment in caring for others. Caring for people has always been my passion, and I believe that when you pursue work that truly aligns with your values and purpose, success becomes much more meaningful.

My advice to young women entering the healthcare industry is to truly love what you do and pursue your passion with dedication, purpose, and integrity. Cultivate a servant’s heart by genuinely caring for others and demonstrating empathy, kindness, compassion, and respect in every interaction. I encourage you to choose a career path that aligns with your values while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Most importantly, seek work that gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that your contributions can make a meaningful difference not only in your own life but also in the lives of the people you serve.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is the ongoing strain on staffing and resources, along with the increasing emphasis on healthcare as a business rather than on illness prevention and whole-person wellness. Over the past 20 years, I have seen a significant shift toward a model that often focuses more on treating illness after it occurs than on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to it. At the same time, I believe this creates a tremendous opportunity for holistic nursing and wellness coaching. By focusing on root causes, prevention, education, and whole-person care, we can help individuals become more proactive about their health and create a more sustainable approach to healthcare.

The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are compassion, service, balance, and integrity. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl, and helping people has always been at the heart of my purpose. As a natural helper and empath, I have learned the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, listening to what my body and mind are telling me, and making space for my own well-being while caring for others. I value maintaining meaningful family time and protecting personal time so that I can continue serving others without losing balance in my own life. I also believe in advocating for positive change within the healthcare system and promoting a more holistic approach to wellness. Outside of work, I find fulfillment in spending time with my family, gardening, and making sourdough bread.