Jamie Graack

In a recent clinical rotation, I was able to follow a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. At first I was unsure about the experience. I was nervous about working with very ill newborns and didn't know what to expect. In the first hour, I knew why I wanted to become a nurse. I feel proud helping mothers feed their newborns, helping to take care of the children, and knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of mothers and children. The experience changed my life. I didn't know what type of nurse I wanted to be when I started the journey to become a nurse, but after this great experience, I know my true calling is with pediatric nursing.   

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Scholarship supported me in being able have this experience and now I truly know why I chose to become a nurse. Without the help of the Robert Wood Johnson Scholarship I may have never found my true passion for pediatric nursing.