From the beginning of her nursing journey, BSN and Honors student Gracemarie Jenson has embraced every opportunity to grow as a future nurse leader.
Her journey reflects the depth of experience and commitment The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing fosters in its students—both in and out of the classroom.
Learning from various settings
During her sophomore year—earlier than most students—she secured an externship after hearing about the opportunity from a friend. Working as a patient care technician, she gained hands-on experience with essential nursing skills like catheter insertion and IV management long before they were formally taught in her nursing courses. But more than just technical skills, the externship gave her confidence in patient interactions, strengthened her communication abilities and reinforced the importance of teamwork in a health care setting.
“It really boosted my confidence, especially in terms of working with patients and learning how to communicate with them effectively,” Jenson said.
Jenson’s dedication to patient care extends beyond clinical experience. She has volunteered in multiple settings, including a high school for students recovering from substance abuse, aligning with her deep interest in health issues. In hospital settings, she gained invaluable insights by volunteering in both the ER and oncology departments—two vastly different environments. The fast-paced, high-pressure nature of the ER tested her ability to think quickly, while the slower, more reflective atmosphere of oncology taught her about the long-term relationships that nurses often build with their patients.
Improving care through research
Through these experiences, she continues to develop a well-rounded perspective on what it means to be a compassionate and effective nurse leader.
Her passion for nursing also led her to research, where she is studying post-ICU syndrome, a condition similar to PTSD that affects patients after prolonged critical illness.
"I want to help reduce the prevalence of post-ICU syndrome and improve the emotional and psychological health of these patients in the long term,” she added.
The topic is deeply personal to her, as a family member’s battle with liver failure and an extended ICU stay opened her eyes to the emotional and psychological effects of intensive care. Through her research, she hopes to contribute to strategies that reduce the prevalence of post-ICU syndrome and improve patients’ quality of life long after they leave the hospital.
Future focus
As a student in the UT Austin School of Nursing’s Honors Program, Jenson is part of a distinguished group of scholars dedicated to advancing nursing knowledge. The program offers exceptional students the opportunity to conduct independent research, work closely with faculty mentors and engage in academic presentations and publications.
For Jenson, the Honors Program has provided the ideal platform to combine her clinical training with research, preparing her for a future where she can make meaningful contributions to nursing science and patient care.
Through her externship, volunteer work and research, Jenson exemplifies the well-rounded, forward-thinking nurse leaders that the School of Nursing strives to develop.