The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month for College of Nursing Student
Isaac Jones’s first deployment was in 2009, and as the only medic in his unit, he conducted more than 300 missions—more than anyone else on his team. Now, Jones is using these experiences to fuel his education in becoming a nurse right here at the UK College of Nursing.
Jones enlisted into the U.S. Army and Kentucky National Guard in 2005 at 26 years old and has been mobilized to Active Duty three times: once for eight months at Ft. Dix where he worked with the Warrior Transition Unit and twice to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He enrolled in the College’s Med-Vet to BSN program in fall 2015 as one of the first MedVet students—a decision that has transformed his experience in service to his country.
“The MedVet-to-BSN has had a huge impact on me professionally and personally,” said Jones. “All of my experiences in the military have been applicable to my time in the program this semester, and I am able to take everything that I learn here and apply it in some manner to my military role with the U.S. Army and Kentucky Army National Guard.”
During his first deployment to Afghanistan, Jones worked with an imbedded Special Forces Battalion to provide medical care to local villages. His second deployment involved working with a higher Brigade to help the development of possible medical enrichment opportunities within the community surrounding his outpost. Jones was awarded the Bronze Star for his service, which recognizes a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for their heroic or meritorious achievement.
“We are so grateful for our veterans and their sacrifice to our country,” said Dr. Janie Heath, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing. “As a College, we want to give them everything they need to nurture their medical skills in a personalized environment that benefits from their prior knowledge in the field.”
Jones continues to represent veterans and the Kentucky Army National Guard while completing his program. He plans to enter a DNP program and to work in pediatrics or mental health while encouraging and mentoring future veterans interested in the nursing field.
The MedVet to BSN program at the College of Nursing started fall 2015 and capitalizes on veterans’ prior training as a medic. Learning through a combination of classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical-setting instruction, the College’s BSN Program graduates professionals who are ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of today’s health care needs.
