DOREEN JACKSON, RN '84

Sr. Vice President, Patient Care Services 

Westchester Medical Center

Doreen Jackson has never wavered in her goals. From her early career in  Nursing, she knew that she wanted to hold the highest nursing administration position possible. Armed with a Mercy College degree in Nursing and a great deal of determination, Jackson has attained her goal, now serving as the senior vice president of Patient Care Services at the Westchester Medical Center.

When searching for the right undergraduate nursing program, Jackson desired a curriculum that would give her as much new knowledge as possible. The content and strength of Mercy's program attracted her, especially since it was geared for the working nurse, allowing her to work full time while pursuing her degree.

After completing her baccalaureate degree, Jackson felt prepared to take on more challenging leadership positions at her hospital, and also branched out into Community Health on a per diem basis. "Mercy's nursing curriculum was so comprehensive in communication and community health that I did not want to lose these skills as I moved up the leadership ladder," Jackson said.

Jackson cites Dr. Mae Pepper as influential on her education and career choices. Dr. Pepper encouraged to her to examine her goal of being a Nurse Administrator and to seek a graduate program rich in administration curriculum, suggesting Columbia University. Dr Pepper sent a letter of recommendation to Columbia, and Jackson received a master's degree from Teachers College.

Married with three children and a grandchild, Jackson's proudest accomplishment is, "the position as the senior vice president for Patient Care Services with a fine corps of nurses working with me." Jackson has lived the dream that a student's goal, with the right support, can become a reality.