Jameszetta James is a seasoned professional in the healthcare field, bringing over two decades of expertise to her role as the nursing supervisor at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago. With a comprehensive background spanning various aspects of nursing—from ICU and case management to administrative functions—Jameszetta’s career is marked by a commitment to innovation and leadership.
As a leader in recruitment efforts for the NOURISH study at Rush University’s Medical Center, she recruits and reviews ischemic stroke patients to participate in the nutrition effects on brain outcomes of recovery in stroke after hospitalization; testing a healthy dietary intervention in possibly slowing the progression of memory loss and thinking abilities for those age 55 and older who recently suffered a stroke.
In addition to her clinical and research endeavors, Jameszetta is deeply invested in the professional development of nurses. Her involvement with ANA-Illinois highlights her dedication to shaping healthcare policy. By advocating for legislative measures that impact nurses directly, Jameszetta ensures that the voice of healthcare professionals is heard, particularly on issues legislated by individuals outside of the medical field. Her approach not only emphasizes the importance of seasoned nurses taking active roles in mentorship and advocacy but also stresses the importance of the need for informed leadership in healthcare legislation.
Challenging the System: Bringing Quality Care to All
Jameszetta’s biggest challenge as a leader and healthcare professional is being an African American woman.
“Predominantly in my communities. Those who actually lead the community in these organizations, I believe that no one is following those hospitals that don’t score, who are not a magnet environment. So, people get appointed. They don’t live in the community. They become the administrators of these organizations, but they’re not being evaluated. I find that the majority of African American nurses who work in these environments don’t have the educational standards or experience for them to provide excellent care.”
Jameszetta is passionate about helping these hospitals get the education and resources they need to provide proper care – and help others struggling with her challenges. Often battling adversity on this subject, she has taken to educating organizations and government legislators on hospitals’ needs.
“A lot of nurses come from LPN programs or associate programs. In these programs, the standard of nursing is just basic. And so when they try to go to organizations that are a magnet environment, like Shirley Ryan and Rush University’s Medical Center, they don’t have the educational background or experience to compete. It comes from the environment that you are in. Being a leader going into these types of organizations, I have been seen as ‘she thinks she’s better than us.’”
Being a part of her community as a leader, she stresses the importance of appointed leaders learning about the areas they represent and believing that every hospital is capable of providing high-quality care and education.
Influences, Mentorship, and Sticking Together
Jameszetta values mentorship within the nursing community. She had the opportunity to become a magnet ambassador for the University of Chicago, and her biggest lesson in being a nursing leader is the importance of sticking together in the industry. Jameszetta credits two of her nursing mentors, Penny Hurley and Jean Blake, with helping her navigate her way through the healthcare field.
“I was a new nurse coming into a committee structure and they helped me learn how to work in the union environment.”
Other mentors of Jameszetta’s, Sheila Coogan and Dr. Elizabeth Wojciechowski, both helped her understand professionalism and helped mold her into a nursing leader. Sheila helped Jameszetta write articles to get published in the American Nurses Magazine, Sheila helped open the doors of opportunity to make Jameszetta’s career flourish.
As mentorship has played an incredibly vital part in her career, Jameszetta encourages nurses, whether just starting out or experienced, to find themselves a mentor.
What’s in the Works? Jameszetta’s Influence on ANA-Illinois
Jameszetta’s role within the ANA-Illinois is in its government relations. As a member of the legislative committee, she is pivotal in guiding the organization through the landscape of healthcare legislation. Her primary responsibilities involve heavy engagement with upcoming bills and legislative measures that will positively affect the nursing profession. By being actively present in committee meetings, reviewing each piece of legislation, and ensuring confidentiality where necessary, she plays a role in how the organization responds to and influences health policy.
Jameszetta’s deep understanding of the implications of new laws on the nursing profession enables her to be an effective bridge between healthcare policy and clinical practice. This is vital for new nurses coming from nursing programs; she takes a guiding role for these individuals and helps them understand how they can get involved and what everything means.
Jameszetta’s goals for the legislative committee are centered around transparency and education. She aims to ensure that nurses at all levels—whether they are just entering the field or looking to expand their roles into specialized areas—are well-informed about the legislative aspects of healthcare. By educating them on the importance of involvement in professional organizations like the ANA, she not only enhances their professional development but also strengthens the collective voice of nurses in shaping health policy.
Jameszetta’s Advice: Get Involved! Join ANA-Illinois
Jameszetta’s advice to young nurses is to maintain professional relationships throughout your career. You never know when someone you met in nursing school may be able to help you advance your career.
“Maintain those professional relationships and just have a good outlook on everything, because the chances are you will bump right into those people again in your career. So if you want a good outlook or a professional recommendation, those relationships really matter.”
Being a part of organizations, particularly ANA-Illinois, is a great way for nurses, young and seasoned, to build careers and find opportunities. By being connected with a community, you gain not only a network of professionals to boost your career, but you also get a support network to stand side by side with you.