NURSE PROFILE
Schae
Chesser , BSN
For a nursing school graduate , the prospect of becoming a working nurse can feel daunting . When Schae Chesser , BSN , finished nursing school , the Baylor Scott & White Nurse Residency Program seemed like the perfect start to her career .
“ Just coming out of nursing school , this program was a great transition ,” Chesser said . “ Nursing school courses prepare you , but not for all the other things that come with being a brandnew nurse . It was just a great support system for me .”
Meeting nurses and staff from all areas of the hospital was helpful , Chesser said , as well as understanding services and programs available for patient care that can differ from hospital to hospital . For example , Chesser learned how to use a language translation service available at her hospital to help communicate with patient families who did not speak English . “ I hadn ’ t taken care of a patient who didn ’ t speak English and now , using that , I learned how I can work closely with that family to provide the same quality of care I would any of my families ,” she said .
Through the residency program , Chesser also was exposed to nursing opportunities in a variety of departments . “ We even have nurses who work in the informatics
department — I didn ’ t even know that was a thing !”
Five years after graduating from the program , Chesser has recently become a charge nurse and is learning the leadership side of nursing . Comparing the start of her career with those of her nursing school friends , who hired on to different healthcare organizations , Chesser is grateful . “ I can definitely tell that Baylor Scott & White is totally different than anywhere else in its commitment to its nurses and patients ,” she said . “ I love my job .”
LEADERSHIP PROFILE
Janice Walker
DHA , RN
Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer , Baylor Scott & White Health
s the chief nursing officer at Baylor Scott & White Health , Janice Walker , DHA , RN , leads a team of nursing professionals , from new graduates to senior leaders . This dedicated executive inspires her team to meet the challenges of the pandemic one patient at a time .
How has the pandemic affected the public ’ s perception of nursing ?
It has really shown the public what superheroes nurses really are . When you see the signage and the gifts made in appreciation of our team for what they have done during the pandemic , it makes you proud to be a nurse . My longterm hope is that people are inspired to consider nursing as a career . It is a rewarding role , but you do have to be called to it ; it is not for everyone . The sky is the limit for a career in nursing .
Why did you decide to become a nurse ?
I have a passion for helping people . My grandmother saw that in me years ago and said , “ I think you need to explore nursing . I am telling you , you are a nurse at your core .” I went to college to become a nurse and never changed my major .
What is the most rewarding part of your role ? When I see a nurse transform from a bedside nurse , leading the care of a patient , to becoming a department leader , a unit or service leader , even a hospital leader , it is rewarding to watch them grow from graduate nurse to chief nursing officer . We see examples of that all over Baylor Scott & White . You can work for this organization from the beginning of your career to the end .
How have you inspired your team to meet the challenges before them ?
A favorite motto I am using a lot during this pandemic is : “ There is so much in this world we cannot control . But I am still in control of my interaction with one patient at a time , and one family member at a time and one peer at a time .” As wild as this world is , it helps you reconnect to your calling .
You have inspired others in your family to pursue a calling to healthcare . Is that a proud mom moment ?
I have four children and two are now physicians . I learned a lot watching them go through medical school . I would hear both of my sons say to my peers , “ You don ’ t have to know everything to be a doctor ; you ’ re surrounded by nurses , respiratory therapists , dietitians and others that help the physician . There are nurses around , and you better listen to them !”
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2022