Like the other students who are receiving a this weekend at UCF, Nadine Jacobson is a licensed registered nurse. But unlike her peers, she isn 麻豆精品 S檛 actively practicing as a result of losing her eyesight years ago.

For Jacobson, who has had the visual impairment for 25 years, the online program presented an opportunity for her to return to a profession she loves.

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Her journey to this degree 麻豆精品 S her second master 麻豆精品 S檚 in nursing and fifth overall 麻豆精品 S has been filled with challenges.

Nadine Jacobsen in her U.S. Air Force uniform
Nadine Jacobson in her U.S. Air Force uniform.

With a passion for caring for others, she pursued a career in nursing. After earning her bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in nursing, she initially worked at the bedside before joining the U.S. Air Force where she had the rank of captain, worked as a labor and delivery nurse, attended nursing flight school, and served during the Persian Gulf War.

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That journey, however, was cut short after a procedure to remove thyroid cancer triggered a reaction in her eyes 麻豆精品 S causing her vision to slowly deteriorate.

Despite the challenges of her disability and in life, she continued to care for others as now a mother to five children and she continued to pursue an education, earning a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in psychology, master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in nursing health policy and a law degree.

While juggling the demands of being a mother and a student, she earned good grades and was an active community volunteer 麻豆精品 S even serving as president of her son 麻豆精品 S檚 basketball booster club.

An old photo of three nurses in uniform
Nadine Jacobson (center) with two other nurses.

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After practicing law for several years (she had to close the practice to focus on her family), she returned to school and enrolled in the 麻豆精品 S one of only a few nationwide.

During the program, she needed to complete clinical rotation and worked alongside renowned simulation expert and nurse practitioner in a Central Florida clinic.

麻豆精品 S淚 really enjoyed it, as I really miss being able to be a nurse, 麻豆精品 S Jacobson says. 麻豆精品 S淚 still have a lot of nursing knowledge, and it was great to tap into that and belong in that group again. 麻豆精品 S

Nadine Jacobsen takes a selfie near a computer
Nadine Jacobson in the UCF College of Nursing 麻豆精品 S檚 STIM (Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling) Center.

She also spent three days in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 .

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In the program at UCF, one class in particular stood out.

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In fact, it sparked a desire to learn more and she 麻豆精品 S檚 now pursuing an evidence-based practice certification.

Jacobson planned to walk across the stage at UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Spring 2023 commencement for the very first time since nursing school 40 years ago, but unfortunately, is needed to care for family. Fortunately, she will have another opportunity.

Her commitment to lifelong learning is not stopping with this degree. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing science, a certificate in nurse coaching, and a graduate certificate in medical writing and editing at other universities. She also recently earned certifications in Python and machine learning, which she plans to use in her data analysis for her doctoral degree and in other research environments.

For Jacobson, knowledge is power and she plans to use that power to help others through advocacy for other nurses with disabilities.

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She is leading by example and, with her degrees, will continue to make contributions to the profession by advancing nursing science through research. She is first focused on validating nurse coaching.

麻豆精品 S淚 think nurse coaches can do a tremendous amount, and fill the gap a lot in healthcare, 麻豆精品 S she says.