"The education I've received has taught me a plethora of skills that impact both my leadership in the military and the critical nursing skills I need in my civilian life." —Phillip Guest, RN, Master of Science in Nursing student.

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Notes from the Field

Nursing Students Are Already Leading the Movement for Improvement

You do not have to be a platoon leader to also be an effective RN, but Phillip Guest knows the experience doesn't hurt.

"With three generations of U.S. service members in my family, defending my country seemed like the right calling," said Guest, who started out as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic for the Army in 2000 and quickly developed a proclivity for military leadership and healthcare.

Guest later completed the U.S. Army Reserves Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa., where he earned a BS degree in Health Services Administration with a focus on nursing. After graduation, he was placed in the Army's largest medical company in New Jersey, Company C, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, as a field medical officer before being assigned as an assistant platoon leader.

"I was eventually promoted to platoon leader in charge of 32 combat medics, a number of lab technicians, fellow nurses and a physician assistant as we ran medical combat support operations across the state," noted Guest. "I was aware of the Thomas Edison State College's reputation long before I began researching the ways that the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing curriculum would fit into my life."

Guest, now a registered nurse at a large Philadelphia healthcare system and a National Guardsman, said he knew that as a consistently voted 'military friendly' institution, TESC would provide the academic structure he needed to complete his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and begin his master's degree studies. Currently serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Regiment in Westfield, N.J., as the squadron's chief medical officer, he is responsible for the planning and support of healthcare operations for 438 soldiers during training and live-fire operations.

"This places me in the unique position of being the main advisor to the squadron commander on all healthcare-related matters and lets me integrate my nursing course work in my career to ensure that I create a positive training environment that produces outstanding combat medics," he said. "I chose TESC for the completion of my degree over others, because its online nursing program is formatted to create a well-rounded nurse professional who is equipped to tackle complex issues," said Guest, who completed his BSN degree requirements in December and is now enrolled in the School's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. "The education I've received has taught me a plethora of skills that impact both my leadership in the military and the critical nursing skills I need in my civilian life. I have become more fluent in technology, disciplined in my work ethic and prepared to help lead the movement for improvements in my field. Specifically, I plan to leverage what I've learned through the program to help resolve lingering healthcare disparities in our communities."

Guest and his patients are already feeling the benefits.

"One of my most rewarding experiences as a nurse came recently as I was working with a young adult patient who suffered a stroke and lost the ability to walk, talk and dress himself. During the course of his treatment, he became bitter and depressed regarding his outlook and frequently took his frustrations out on those around him. I continued to work with him and put my best effort into encouraging him through his recovery. He gradually became stronger physically and emotionally until the day he walked out of our hospital unassisted. As a result of the bond we created, I was able to experience this patient's physical and emotional transformation, and I'm proud to say that we've remained good friends. Whether it's treating soldiers' wounds or holding a patient's hand during difficult time, nursing is what I was meant to do."

His dedication might also be traced to his family tree.

"I inherited my work ethic from my father, Sidney Guest, who is also a veteran of the United States Army, and my mother, Adelheid Guest, who has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years." Guest lives outside of Philadelphia, Pa., with his two rescued cats, Luna and Nala, who he said alternately serve as study buddies and paperweights.

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