Jacqueline Rooney, '20, is a Registered Nurse at Lankenau Medical Center. She shares her experiences of Catholic University here.

Briefly describe your responsibilities.

"I am a Critical Care Nurse working in the Medical ICU. I am usually assigned two patients. We manage medical patients with complex disease processes such as: sepsis, cardiac arrest, STEMI/NSTEMI, pneumonia, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, GI bleeds, stroke, DKA, HHS. I am responsible for assessing my patients and reporting critical findings to the provider, titrating ICU medications such as sedation and vasopressors, and working collaboratively with the clinical care team to act as a patient advocate."

How did your Conway School and Catholic University education help you find this career path?

"Through the Conway Scholarship, I was able to tour the CVICU at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. I was in awe of the responsibility of the ICU nurse and the vital role they played in the care of the patient. I knew then I would want to pursue a job as an ICU nurse."

What activities were you involved in during undergrad?

"I was a cantor at Mass and Adoration through Campus Ministry. I was a Pro-Life Hospitality student leader for the overnight at the DuFour Center. I was a member of the Student Nurse's Association, and I was a member of the Campus Wellness Committee. I also served on two Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trips." 

What were some highlights of your time at Catholic University?

"I enjoyed the Blessing of the Hands ceremony. I also enjoyed weekly Adoration and campus Mass in St. Vincent's. I also attended a trip to Puerto Rico with Professor Maxwell as a part of the Spanish for Healthcare Program where we were involved in health clinics in Maricao and San Juan."