New Faculty Profile: Get to Know Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN
Nov. 29, 2018
Assistant Professor Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, joined us this semester, migrating from Madison, WI, to the sunny Old Pueblo. She has worked as an Infusion Nurse and as an ICU Nurse and won the Mary Keller Research Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing in spring, 2018. She is a welcome addition to our faculty.
What drew you to a career in nursing?
My dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was in my senior year of high school. Through going to chemotherapy with him and meeting lots of different healthcare providers, I saw the roles of the different members of the team and I really liked how much nurses interacted with patients. It was during my undergraduate nursing program that I became interested in research. My experiences working in the ICU made me realize that my passion in nursing is researching how to improve the nurse work environment to improve nurse health and wellbeing and patient outcomes.
What attracted you to the UA College of Nursing?
I was attracted by the incredible people and the inspiring research being done here at the UA College of Nursing.
What is your field of research/specialty?
My research focuses on nurses who work in hospitals and how we can improve the nurse work environment and culture in order to improve health and wellbeing for both patients and nurses. Specifically, I’m interested in measuring and developing interventions to address presenteeism, which is when someone is at work, but not fully engaged or performing.
What courses do you teach?
I’m going to be teaching NURS 642 and 650.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in a little town on Lake Tahoe called Incline Village, Nevada.
How do you like Tucson so far?
I really like Tucson so far - it’s so nice to be able to play tennis or hike outside in the fall! The people are also incredibly friendly, and there are a lot of fun events and beautiful places to explore.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing tennis, cooking, hiking, reading crime and spy novels, traveling, and exploring Tucson.