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Portrait of Jessica Donawald

Honor Society® member

Jessica Donawald

  • bsn nursing
  • Class of 2028
  • Harrison, TENNESSEE

Member since May 2026

About

With a rich, 20-year background in healthcare spanning both hands-on patient care and administrative leadership, my dedication to supporting others is deeply rooted in my daily life and clinical practice. I approach every patient with profound empathy, carrying a lifelong passion for serving those who are most in need, particularly the elderly and individuals facing severe mental health challenges. As I pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at American National University, I am actively building the advanced clinical expertise required to transition into a Registered Nurse role. My ultimate professional aspiration is to specialize in mental health, dedicating my career to advocating for and restoring dignity to this highly vulnerable population. I strive to blend rigorous clinical excellence with a compassionate, non-judgmental presence, ensuring that every patient under my care feels truly heard, valued, and safe. By bridging the gap between physical and psychiatric care, I aim to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of individuals navigating their most challenging moments.

Education

  • American National University

    bsn nursing

    2025 – Present

Honors and awards

  • dean's list 2025 for 3 terms

  • honor society

  • president's list for 2 terms

Goals and interests

Career goal

Upon completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at American National University, my immediate goal is to transition into a Registered Nurse role with a dedicated focus on psychiatric and mental health care. Driven by a deep passion for supporting society's most vulnerable populations, I intend to specialize in psychiatric-mental health nursing to offer comprehensive, compassionate, and stigma-free support. I plan to leverage my extensive, 20-year foundation in clinical patient care and healthcare administration to deliver high-quality, holistic treatment to individuals navigating complex psychiatric challenges. Ultimately, I aspire to be a steadfast advocate for my patients, bridging the gap between physical and mental well-being while empowering them to reclaim their health and dignity.

Graduate school interests

Building upon my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, my primary interest in pursuing graduate studies is to obtain advanced clinical specialization in psychiatric-mental health nursing. I am deeply committed to acquiring the specialized therapeutic models, psychopharmacological knowledge, and diagnostic skills necessary to provide high-level, holistic care to individuals facing complex mental health challenges. My academic focus will center on developing innovative, evidence-based interventions tailored for highly vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly experiencing cognitive and psychiatric decline. Ultimately, I intend to leverage graduate-level training to take on leadership and advocacy roles, working tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers, reduce stigma, and elevate the standard of psychiatric care within the healthcare system.

Outside the classroom

My hobbies are a true reflection of what I value most: faith, growth, and the simple joy of caring for the world around me. I am deeply grounded by my faith, and reading The Bible is the cornerstone of my daily life, guiding my steps and inspiring my heart to serve others. I have a natural passion for learning and self-improvement, which is why you will often find me tucked away with educational and self-betterment books, always seeking to grow as a person and a future nurse.

I find so much peace in the beauty of creation, whether I am out hiking scenic trails, capturing life's quiet moments through photography, or coming home to the comforting chaos of caring for all my animals. My nurturing spirit also extends straight into the kitchen—I absolutely love baking delicious treats as a way to bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of sweetness to my family, friends, and anyone in need of a smile.

Experience

  • medical assistant

    CHI / Common Spirit

    Jan 2022 – Jul 2026

Volunteering

  • I volunteer in various leadership roles in my church. From Children Pastor to Worship leading, to Prayer lead, also any serving like cleaning and handing coffee out to any congregants.

    Family Church Ooltewah

    Jan 2024 – Jul 2026

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced
  • Spanish Advanced