Get to Know Jordan
Hi, I’m Jordan! I’m originally from Allentown, PA, but have been in Charleston, SC for the last 8 years. I was an ICU nurse for the last 10 years as well with experience in CT surgery, Surgical Trauma Burn, ECMO and rapid response. I have two cats, Dale and Chandler, who are my fur babies that I will show off any chance that I get! I also love the Pittsburgh Steelers and Texas Longhorns football.
AmSECT: Why did you choose to pursue a career in perfusion?
Jordan: My mom (who was an OR nurse) introduced me to perfusion while I was in nursing school. I didn’t really understand what was going on when I first saw it, so I continued on with my nursing career. Then a few years later while working for the ECMO team at MUSC, I started to understand what was going on with these machines and fell in love with this profession! I had some perfusionist I worked alongside with urge me to apply, and I’m forever grateful for their nudge!
AmSECT: What is a perfusion-related topic that you think is indispensable to know for your perfusion career and why?
Jordan: It’s not necessarily an academic or clinical topic, but never being afraid to ask questions. You are always learning throughout school and your career that asking questions keeps you in check. It also is a way that you can learn something you may not have even thought of before you asked! Also, not being afraid to speak up on behalf of your patient…surgeons can be scary, but don’t let that fear keep you from keeping your patient safe!
AmSECT: In reference to the question above, what question do you have about that topic that you’d like others' to input on?
Jordan: Being a first semester perfusion student, I’d love to know what input second year students have on what benefited them during rotations. I know as a nurse, I got used to speaking up in the ICU setting, but I know it would be super helpful to know how you guys communicate in the OR with the team!
AmSECT: Share your experience/favorite thing about being a Student Member of AmSECT. How has it impacted your journey in perfusion?
Jordan: I love being able to collaborate with students from all over, not just at MUSC! I’ve never been a part of a student council, so this has helped me branch out of my comfort zone and being a part of the communications committee, it has helped me engage the creative aspect of my brain for some memes!
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