Jay Thorton BSN, RN CCRN, CPAN, CAPA

 

Jay was born in Boston and grew up in the suburb of Norwood, Massachusetts. During his early twenties, Jay secured his first professional entry-level position in a Boston Hospital. His dedication and hard work earned him a scholarship, which enabled him to pursue training as a surgical technologist. While maintaining a full-time work schedule, Jay successfully earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, being the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. His dedication to professional growth and education is evident in his ability to balance work responsibilities with academic pursuits.

Throughout his nursing career, Jay has actively devoted his free time to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. He became involved with The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to activism, education, entertainment, ministry, and service within the LGBTQIA+ community. During his tenure with the Boston Sisters, Jay held several leadership roles, including vice-president and board member at large. His involvement reflects a deep commitment to service and advocacy.

After building a foundation in critical care nursing and developing expertise in perianesthesia nursing, Jay returned to the ICU during the pandemic to assist in increased need of critical care patient load. This experience further strengthened his clinical skills and adaptability. Once the immediate demands of the pandemic subsided, Jay resumed his focus on perianesthesia nursing, demonstrating his commitment to specialized patient care.

Seeking new opportunities, Jay transitioned into travel nursing, which provided valuable experience and ultimately helped him secure a position in Chicago. Upon relocating, he moved from agency nursing to a full-time role at RUSH University Medical Center. His tenure at RUSH has been marked by ongoing professional development, including the completion of multiple certification exams that highlight his advanced knowledge and skills beyond basic licensure.

Jay’s dedication to the science of nursing is evident through his involvement in hospital-wide initiatives. He joined and co-chairs the evidence-based practice/research committee, contributing to the advancement of nursing practice at the institutional level. In pursuit of further leadership skills, Jay was selected as a Nurse Leader Fellow for Frontline Nurses, illustrating his commitment to both personal growth and the broader nursing profession.

Looking ahead, Jay remains focused on expanding his expertise, with the goal of attaining a doctorate in nursing. His ongoing pursuit of education and leadership roles demonstrates a steadfast commitment to professional excellence and the advancement of nursing science.