Jacquelin Holland, RCN, CRNP

1. What inspired you to become a nurse?
I wanted to be part of a profession that was respected and valued. Thirty-five years ago the choices of professions for women seemed limited. I chose nursing to become a part of a profession that was respected and valued.

2. What are your specialties, and how did you get there?
I started in the ER -- that was exciting. I loved the energy of it, but knew I couldn't do it for as long as some people did. I went into office nursing, family planning, OB/GYN and worked for an insurance company in managed care. I found whatever I did led to patient education. It's a passion of mine. Now I am director of screening services at Columbus Cancer Clinic. I am an advanced practice nurse with a specialty in oncology patient education, early prevention and detection.

I am also overseeing the "MaMa Says" marketing campaign for the Columbus Cancer Clinic, and working as a trainer for All Women, One Cause, an advocacy group that's spreading the message about breast cancer detection within the minority and underserved communities. I have the opportunity to be involved with so many organizations because I am the liaison at the clinic. I am also involved with the Columbus Black Women's Health Project. All of the activities I am involved with are intertwined -- we can bring our services to African American communities.

One of my strong suits is patient education. In my way I have encouraged people to take better care of themselves, practice wellness and prevention. I want to make a contribution to our culture. Many health problems develop from not knowing how to take care of ourselves.

3. What do you like best about working in the nursing field?
There are unlimited choices to practice. There are so many things that you get to see and do as a nurse. For me, one of the most special moments was going to Ghana in West Africa to donate a mammogram machine. I had the opportunity to present information, travel and see the hospitals and the health care there. When I got there, I felt like I was home.

Now I work with people in my own hometown who are from Africa. I tell them if they adopt a lot of our unhealthful lifestyles, such as poor dietary habits, they will have the same problems we do. It's hard because the first thing a 5-year-old from Africa sees is a fast food restaurant.

4. What, if any, barriers have you had to overcome?
If you are black and a woman, there seem to be barriers and obstacles all over the place. But I pushed them aside or climbed over them to achieve my goals. I know I can do anything with hard work. I knew somewhere in my soul I could contribute to the nursing profession. My sister and cousin are nurses, as was my late uncle. I believe we are making a difference in the world.

5. Do you have a personal story you'd like to share?
My first mentor was a black instructor named Dorothea Huckleby. I remember watching, listening and learning from her. She set the example. She was a professional nurse in every sense. I latched onto her. I get surprised now when people tell me that I am their mentor. I am so open about myself -- my culture, my heritage and my beliefs -- that I've helped others to understand the problems, hopes and dreams of African Americans.

The people I usually see are well. If I detect a problem it's usually pretty early. We had a gentleman who read about the cancer clinic in the paper. He had an elevated prostate blood test, no money and no insurance. I called one of the hospitals on his behalf and asked if they could help him. They evaluated him, performed a biopsy, then surgery and radiation for prostate cancer. Two days after he got out of the hospital, he delivered a bouquet of flowers to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. You saved my life."

6. What are your most proud accomplishments?
Giving birth to two beautiful sons. I lost my youngest son, Jamal, when he was just 12 years old. I felt so troubled by my son's death that I questioned my ability to continue nursing. I somehow found the strength to go on. My family and the good Lord help me continue to be a nurse. My other son, David, who is 41 and single, inspires me every day.

7. What are your future plans?
I will continue to work in wellness promotion. I hope to write two books -- one on racial blending and its effects on health care, and the other on honoring older adults. I hope to continue to make general health care presentations and mentor young nurses. I'd also like to learn other languages; I am currently studying Spanish.

8. What words of wisdom do you have for a student just graduating?
I mentored a student who graduated in May 2002. I felt like I was her mother -- watching her, encouraging her and supporting her. My advice to students is to respect yourself, respect the profession and never forget the many intelligent black women and men who have struggled and fought to assure us the opportunity to practice in the profession.

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