Biography:
Jessica Chambers is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Providence School of Health Professions. Chambers is a professor at the Anchorage site for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Chambers’ professional experience and accolades include military service in the United States Army for six years – shaping her role in nursing and clinical education following her retirement from the military and transition into civilian healthcare.
In addition to her military service, Chamber’s educational accolades include a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas: El Paso. Chambers has a strong clinical background.
In addition to her Assistant Professorship, she works as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, is the Program Coordinator for a Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and is the Lead Instructor for the same program. Before her role in Neonatal Nursing, Chambers worked as a Core Charge and Transport Nurse and a Staff across multiple locations in the United States.
Educational Background
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, University of Alabama Birmingham
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, The University of Texas: El Paso
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Hocking College
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing, Maric College
Professional/Clinical Background
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Resuscitation Program Coordinator/Lead Instructor, 2017 – Current
- Core Charge/Transport Nurse, 2013 – 2017
- Staff Nurse (Multiple Locations), 2011 – 2017
- United States Army (Multiple Locations), 2008 – 2014
Faculty/Teaching Background
- Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Providence, 2021 – Current
- Assistant Professor of Nursing/School of Nursing’s Chair of Undergraduate Programs, 2017 – 2021
Professional Affiliations
- Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association, President
- Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association, Member, President (2021 – 2022)
- Academy of Neonatal Nursing, Member
- Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Member
- National Association of Neonatal Nurses, Member
- National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Member
- National Certification Corporation Item Writing Committee, Member
- Sigma Theta Tau International, Member
Honors/Awards/Accolades
- Honoree – Celebrating Nurses 2022, Alaska
Licensures/Certifications
- Board Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, National Certification Corporation
- Board Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, National Certification Corporation
- Board Certified in Neonatal-Pediatric Transport, National Certification Corporation
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Alaska Board of Nursing
- Registered Nurse, Alaska Board of Nursing
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor Mentor / Provider, American Academy of Pediatrics
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider, American Heart Association
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association
Program Involvement
- ABSN: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Course Involvement
- NRS 313: Nursing Practice Fundamentals
- NRS 372: Clinical Concepts I
- NRS 374: Nursing Concepts I
- NRS 410: Evidence-Based Practice
- NRS 430: Nursing Concepts II
- NRS 440: Clinical Concepts II
- NRS 450: Transition to Nursing Practice
Community Involvement
- School of Health Professions Curriculum Committee – Chair
- School of Nursing Admissions Committee
- Quality Matters (QM) Committee
- Faculty Executive Committee
Three Questions With Jessica Chambers
- What do you enjoy doing outside of academia?
- I am beyond fortunate to have a wonderful husband and son to experience life with. We enjoy everything outdoors, including skiing, biking, hiking, and camping. Our family takes full advantage of the Alaska lifestyle, snow, or shine! We also love board games, Mario Kart battles, barbecues with bonfires, and sharing meals at the table whenever possible. Though life is as busy as ever, we do our best to spend meaningful time together.
- If you could give one piece of advice to new nursing students, what would it be?
- While nursing education prepares you with the foundational knowledge and skills to enter the profession and be a decent nurse, your character is what sets you apart and makes you an exceptional nurse.
- Remember how you treat others – whether they are patients, family members, peers, or colleagues.
- Be brave each and every day by advocating for your patients to the best of your ability.
- Every shift, learn something new.
- Reflect continually on your practice and how you can improve.
- Never be afraid to ask questions.
- Demonstrate integrity, humility, compassion, and above all, kindness to everyone you encounter, both on and off the clock and never forget the positive impact you can make in your community.
- Hug your people tight at the end of each day.
- Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
- While nursing education prepares you with the foundational knowledge and skills to enter the profession and be a decent nurse, your character is what sets you apart and makes you an exceptional nurse.
