Jessica Borthwick

Name: Jessica Borthwick, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, CHFN-K 

Hometown: Cobleskill, NY.

Current Town: Oley, PA 

Anticipated graduation: May 2024 

Major(s): Doctor of Nursing Practice  

Internships/Research/Projects:

The title of my proposed project is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Situational Simulation Training to Prepare Debriefing Leaders. Though I am still in the implementation phase, the need for multimodal training of critical incident stress debriefing leaders is evident.  Graciously, the initial reactions to the simulations have been very intriguing and positive. I look forward to analyzing the outcomes and disseminating to the faculty and students at The Millersville University Wehrheim School of Nursing and beyond. 

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

Throughout my career in nursing, I have experienced a variety of critical incidents in many settings.  At each point, I worked though the emotional aftermath independently and struggled to comprehend and grapple with the situations.  The work of the Critical Incident Stress Management intervention by Jeffery T. Mitchell has inspired a group of leaders to address such incidents in a methodical and practical manner with exceptional results. 

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

Aim to figure out solutions to small problems in a creative way. For example, if you don’t have contact information for a potential future internship employer?  Call the company directory and ask to be connected to the person who best fits the role description.  Short on cash for a new outfit? Make it work with what you already have available through modification and sharing amongst neighbors.  Wonder how to spend an unscheduled Saturday afternoon? Go someplace new; reach out to a local coffee shop, a friend of a friend, or the library to discover and explore with an adventurous spirit. 

Aspirations (upon graduation):

I have plans on advancing into academia and am inspired by, and proud to work with, the professors at the Wehrheim School of Nursing.  

If you are currently employed in your field, please provide professional information, where you work, when you started, etc.: 

Since 2015 I have been a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Reading Hospital with a focus on patient safety and quality care and role model of relationship-based care delivery. 

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?

Making meaningful connections with and helping those who have experienced critical incidents debrief.