Practical Nursing Program
Jen Briggs, MSN, RN
Clinical Instructor, Practical Nursing
Professional Work Experience
- Registered Nurse- 20 years
- Bannock Regional Medical Center
- Portneuf Medical Center
- St. Luke’s Medical Center- Boise
- St. Luke’s Medical Center- Magic Valley
- Instructor, College of Technology Practical Nursing – 7 years
Career Highlights
- Staff nurse/Charge Nurse Medical-Surgical Units 15 years (1997-2012)
- Manager of Surgical Unit at Portneuf Medical Center 3.5 years (2004-2008)
- Staff nurse on acute inpatient rehab unit for past 5 years
One of Your Favorite Professional Experiences
Telling your story helps to build connections with prospective students and demonstrates how you make an impact in your field.
This is probably isn’t a favorite experience- I can’t think of one at the moment, but is a touching experience that has stayed with me for years.
I was working a night shift several years ago, caring for a patient who had just come out of surgery. He was in quite a bit of pain, but was controlling it with a patient controlled pain pump. Due to a combination of the anesthesia and the pain medication, he became too sedated to breathe adequately. Because of this, I had to administer a medication that reversed the pain medication. Giving this medication caused him to be in a severe amount of pain, but he was now breathing. All I could do to comfort him was help him sit up at the side of the bed (at his request), hold his hand, rub his back and apologize for taking his pain medication away. His response to me causing him pain was to say “Thank you” as I sat next to him holding his hand. Eventually his breathing and oxygen stabilized enough to give him more pain medication and get him comfortable. I will never forget his kindness and graciousness when I had to hurt him to help him.
Judy Elquist
Clinical Instructor
Professional Work Experience
- RN since 1991
- Specialize in Obstetrics and NICU
- Instructor for ISU since 2019
Career Highlights
I knew that I wanted to be a nurse when I was 13 years old. Nursing has been my passion for over 30 years now, and I am honored to be able to share my knowledge with others who want to pursue this career. When I started teaching, I had no idea how it would change my life for the better. It is by far the best job that I have ever had, and I love getting to know and help our students. I also love spending time with my three adult children, my husband, and our many animals. In my spare time, I love to read and travel.
Brittney Guinn, RN
Clinical Instructor, Veteran to Nurse Program
Professional Work Experience and Highlights
Navy Corpsman Active Duty (2007-2013)
- 8485 (Psych Tech)
- 8404 (Field Medical Service Tech)
- Labor and Delivery
- Pediatrics
- Detention
- Mental Health (inpatient and outpatient)
- Substance abuse programs
- Urgent Care (Sick Call)
- LPN (2017)
- Correctional Nursing
- RN (2019)
- Correctional Nursing
- Medical Surgical
- College of Tech Nursing Programs (Veteran to Nurse Instructor)
Favorite Professional Experience
I cannot say I have a favorite experience in my career. I have been very fortunate to have had many unique and various experiences. I look at being a 'jack of many trades' as an exciting way to experience, learn, and enjoy my profession of being a healthcare provider. I had my eyes opened to many aspects of life while serving.
“A Little about me…”
I was born and raised in Michigan and left when I was a teenager to join the Navy. During that time, I have lived in several states up the east coast and in Washington state. I moved to Idaho with my husband (he's an Idaho native) 10 years ago and we have built a little family together. I live by the old saying "work hard, play hard". Me, my husband, and our 2 kids are very active and enjoy playing outdoors and are active in the fitness scene. I also enjoy participating in Crossfit competitions and Spartan races.
Chasity Snowden
Clinical Instructor, Practical Nursing
Office: RFC 153