SKYCTC Alumni Spotlight - Jessica manco

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND SKYCTC?
When I was trying to decide what pathway I was going to take, I started reading about the different healthcare programs, and the respiratory program at BGTC (SKYCTC) was the perfect fit. The idea of smaller classroom sizes and having more face-to-face time with instructors would make for the best learning opportunity. The program’s focus on real clinical experience and connection to local healthcare facilities provided these opportunities and made it stand out to me. I’ve always wanted to work in a field where I could make a real impact, and BGTC (SKYCTC) felt like the right place to start that journey in respiratory care. They really do set their students up for success.

WHO INFLUENCED YOU MOST DURING YOUR TIME AT SKYCTC (FACULTY/STAFF)?
During my time at BGTC (SKYCTC), my instructors and clinical instructors influenced me the most. Mr. Bronson and Mrs. Fuller set us up for success by allowing us to go into the community hospital to get experience within the local hospitals. Through their support, I was able to observe and learn from experienced respiratory therapists, which not only enhanced my clinical skills but helped me build valuable connections in the field with RTs such as Judy Merchant. After 18 years, I still am using her for career advice. Without these instructors, I would not have been able to make these connections. They also set us up for success with our careers by helping us find job placement within these clinical settings or having hospitals come into the classroom to talk to us. I was able to find my first job out of RT school because of them. I will always be grateful for their encouragement and support.

DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH AND EXPLAIN HOW YOUR EDUCATION AT SKYCTC HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TODAY.
As soon as I graduated in May of 2008, I moved to Louisville, Ky and started at Jewish Hospital. They came to class and spoke to us about job opportunities at their facilities, and it seemed like a perfect fit for me. After a bit in the big city, I realized I missed home, and I moved back home to Bowling Green. I started at Greenview Hospital where I had done clinicals. I was there for 10 years. In February 2020, I needed a change and decided to move over to The Medical Center of Bowling Green. I had never done pediatrics or neonates before, and I previously did not have any desire to ever work in that specialty, but the whole reason for leaving Greenview was that I needed a change. So, when I was asked if I would ever work in the NICU I thought “I will try it out.” I went to one delivery and instantly fell in love with it. It was the change I was looking for and honestly needed. Ultimately though, I have always wanted to do transport. I felt like transport would give me the opportunity to experience variations in patient care that would challenge me as a respiratory therapist. I was looking one day at jobs and saw a job at Monroe Carrel Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and applied. I have been doing transport at Vandy for 3.5 years and feel like I have finally found my place. I love what I do. I love being a respiratory therapist, and I find it rewarding every day. My time at SKYCTC helped prepare me for this pathway through a strong academic foundation in respiratory principles and to step outside of your comfort zone (take risks). Taking these leaps have been very rewarding and life changing. Also, all of these facilities that I have been employed at have been connections that I have made through SKYCTC (BGTC) when I was a student. Without my education from here, I would not be where I am today.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT STUDENTS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL FIELD?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in neonatal and pediatric transport respiratory care, my biggest advice is to stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning. I learn something new every day. This specialty requires not only strong clinical skills, but the ability to think quickly and stay calm under pressure- especially during critical situations. Take every opportunity during school and clinical rotations to learn about neonatal and pediatric care, ask questions, and seek out mentors in the field. Building a strong foundation in respiratory therapy is key, but so is developing compassion, teamwork, and communication skills. It’s a challenging path but incredibly rewarding when you realize the impact you’re making on the tiniest, most vulnerable patients.