Women in the World of Nursing

As we round out International Women's History Month, we turn our focus to an important field that has been historically associated with women: nursing. To celebrate the work done by women in this field and the challenges in the time of COVID-19, we had a conversation with Jennifer Wasco, DNP, RN.

Dr. Wasco graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2015 from Chatham and now acts as an Assistant Professor of Nursing for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program as well as the Practice Experience Coordinator for the nursing programs.

Jennifer Wasco, DNP, RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing, Practice Experience Coordinator

How has the role of women in nursing shifted throughout your career?

Even though more men are entering into the profession of nursing, it is still predominantly women. However, even though women make up the majority, we're seeing they are not taking on leadership roles. Despite the field being about 80% women, only 20% of them are in leadership positions; men are dominant in securing and holding these roles. Moving forward, we need to educate nurses that they need to take responsibility and they can advocate for upward career mobility.

What can be done to help change that narrative?

Mentorship is a key factor for success because many times, students get into the mentality that if they're not in a management position, they can't be a leader. You don't have to have a formal title to be a leader and change policies and practices. As a faculty member teaching in the MSN Leadership track, I encourage the students to identify a mentor who can guide and empower them in viewing themselves as a leader. Mentorship can be an informal or a formal relationship; the key is seeking out someone the students look up to and respect as a professional.

Do you have a role model that inspires you?

Dr. Wasco on the steps of the Capitol Building with a fellow ANHE member.

I belong to the organization Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE). A few years ago, I went to Capitol Hill to advocate for environmental health initiatives, and it wasn't something I thought I could do as someone with no background in policy. However, women in the group have shown me that I can make a change through mentoring me with new endeavors. Additionally, I would also say Dr. Kathy Elliot, who was my preceptor when I completed my DNP at Chatham, inspired me to continue making contributions to the world. She also received her DNP at Chatham and now serves on the Board of Trustees and remains an influential leader in the Pittsburgh community.

How has COVID-19 changed the world of nursing?

We are making strides in getting women into leadership roles in nursing. However, with COVID-19, some students who wanted to move into leadership positions face unique challenges as other priorities take precedence. I saw many have to put their education on hiatus due to being called to staff the floors, or they needed to make personal family decisions and many healthcare organizations were not permitting practice experiences. Additionally, COVID has shown some students what is broken in our health systems, and it has given them a voice. This time around, nurses have a voice, and the world is listening to their needs.

Any advice for women who are looking to further their education in nursing?

Dr. Wasco showing support for fellow nurses in Spring of 2020.

Regardless of where you are in your career, you can always continue and advance your professional goals. It will not be easy but you will gain new knowledge, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and boost your confidence to be a change maker. It is always well worth the effort in the end.

I saw that the theme for this year's International Women's Day was to “choose to challenge” someone else – this International Women’s History Month, I choose to challenge nurses to take risks and seek out leadership roles. Embrace risk-taking in all of its forms. You can do it!

To learn more about Chatham's Master of Science in Nursing program, go here. To learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, go here. Wondering how else nurses can be supported right now? Check out "How to Help During Nurses Week."