Meet Jack: A New Nurse Story at TMH
Jack’s desire to become a nurse began long before he ever put on scrubs. As a child recovering from an epidural hematoma, he spent weeks in and out of the hospital—airlifted, intubated, surrounded by machines and uncertainty. What he remembers most vividly isn’t pain or fear, but the nurses who cared for him. Their compassion planted the seed that would grow into his calling.
He was drawn to the idea of caring for a living, and as Jack got older, nursing appeared even more attractive due to its flexibility. “I liked the idea of not working a desk job,” he says, “and how there are so many different paths you can take in nursing.” After graduating from nursing school in Cincinnati, passing the NCLEX, and moving to Tallahassee to be closer to family, he chose TMH for one clear reason.
A Residency Program That Truly Supports New Nurses
“The Nurse Residency Program was a huge reason why I wanted to join TMH,” Jack says. As a new graduate, he wanted structure, mentorship and a place that understood how overwhelming the first year can be.
TMH’s program delivered exactly that.
The first three months give new graduate nurses time to settle into their unit, with regular check-ins from nursing leadership. Once the initial learning curve levels out, the program transitions into monthly meetings to support development and skill-building. Jack especially enjoys Tales by the Bedside, a space to share experiences, reflect, and connect with peers and mentors. His most recent session included a physician panel—an open, judgment‑free space to ask questions and deepen clinical understanding.
“Every month is something different,” he says. “I wanted to join the NRP because I like the extra education.”
Discovering the Heart of Med‑Surg
Jack didn’t expect to land in our Cardiac Neurology Medical Surgical Unit, also known as 2A. 
His early experiences as a patient pointed him toward the fast pace and high intensity of the ER or ICU. In nursing school, he built that interest through working as a PCA and completing his preceptorship in a pediatric ER, and he initially pursued those same paths at TMH. Because multi-day shadowing is required for new nurses interviewing in the ER and ICU—and Jack was still living in Ohio at the time—he chose to start on 2A, with plans to transfer after a year.
At TMH, we support new nurses in finding where they’re meant to be. Med-surg is a strong foundation—and a starting point. From day one, there’s a clear path to grow and move into a wide range of specialties.
But just a few months in, Jack’s perspective began to shift.
“We have a diverse patient population for a med-surg unit,” Jack explains. “I love seeing different types of patients and learning different things.”
For a new nurse eager to learn, the variety has been energizing. And what truly anchored him was the team.
Experienced nurses welcomed him, supported him and made sure he never felt alone. “We all help each other,” he says. “There are a lot of really good experienced nurses who are always willing to help.”
In med‑surg, Jack found what many passionate nurses discover: a place where foundational skills build quickly, teamwork runs deep, and every day brings something exciting and meaningful.
Thriving—and Rethinking His Path
Jack still floats to the ER occasionally, and he enjoys the fast pace and hands‑on tasks. But the certainty he once had about becoming an ER nurse has softened.
“Honestly, at this point, I’m second‑guessing if I want to transfer,” he admits. “I love this unit.”
His first year at TMH has reshaped his expectations. What he thought would be a stepping‑stone has become a place where he feels challenged, supported and genuinely fulfilled. Med‑surg—often described as the backbone of nursing—has become the environment where he’s grown the most.
It’s where he’s built confidence. Where he’s found mentors. Where he’s discovered what it means to grow into the kind of nurse he set out to be.
Jack is a reflection of the new generation of nurses—driven to excel, compassionate and open to where the journey leads. And at TMH, new nurses don’t just find their path—they thrive on it.
Are you a new graduate nurse? Spring grads, apply now to join our Nurse Residency Program and start your journey with the support you deserve.