Jace Ward '24, Nursing
Jace Ward ‘24 comes from a family of nurses and has wanted to be a nurse since he was a child.
“Working as a travel nurse or nurse anesthetist are both interesting to me because I've watched what they entail firsthand from family members who also serve in these roles," he said. “They’ve shared so many stories about traveling to meet the regional needs of different hospitals around the country and about the variety of job opportunities for both fields.”
Ward spent his first clinical rotation at the Canton Christian Home and he recently began a clinical rotation on the oncology floor at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital.
“Before this experience, I hadn’t considered what it would be like with patients who battle different forms of cancer,” he said. “I know that this experience will stretch me and show me how nurses serve those who are truly hurting. That’s why I’m so glad that I can start clinicals early in my time at Malone, so that I can continue to narrow my focus and learn which kinds of nursing are best for my personality and skills.”
Ward is a resident assistant (RA) in Haviland Hall, a class representative for the 2024 nursing students, a peer tutor, a member of the Nurses Student Association (MNSA), and is a student worker for the Wellness Center.
“I think my co-curricular involvement has helped me grow as a person and as a leader,” he said. “It has shown me how to better manage my time, given me opportunities to grown in my faith, and improve my communication skills with others.”
Ward has been mentored by Jeffrey Goff, professor of chemistry, and is motivated by him in the classroom.
“I was in his nursing chemistry course and enjoyed learning from him,” he said. “Dr. Goff was always free to help me with questions and listen when I needed to talk. I also owe him thanks for writing my RA letter of recommendation, which helped me earn my current leadership position.”
For Ward, choosing Malone runs in the family.
“I have family members who attended Malone and highly recommended it to me,” he said. “My aunt and uncle first met at Malone and my cousin Emily was a nursing student here as well. We have all enjoyed the benefits of attending a small, Christian campus that is welcoming and inviting.”
Ward is optimistic about the future of nursing and excited about becoming a nurse during such a difficult time in the profession.
“I know that Malone’s nursing program will prepare me well for securing a job after graduation,” he said. “It’s a rewarding field that changes daily as new advancements are made. Nurses are at the front lines of healthcare and provide safe care for patients while constantly juggling new information and skills. I want to be a nurse who advocates for my patients while maintaining a full understanding of their treatment plan, knowing that I will also learn from my mistakes along the way. Malone professors are already showing me how to incorporate patient safety protocols and policies into my clinical work so that my patients receive the best care I can provide. I am excited about becoming a nurse during such a difficult time in our profession because I feel that nursing is my calling from God, and the chance to make a difference for hurting families during the time of COVID-19 and the nursing staffing crisis will make all the difference to me.”