Chattanooga native, Jennifer Owens, earned two degrees from Cleveland State Community College, the first right after high school and the second five years later when she discovered her passion for nursing. Now, she serves as an Oncology Nurse Navigator specializing in breast cancer care at Erlanger.
Growing up, Owens wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Chattanooga Central High School, she followed her best friend to Cleveland State, enrolling in all the same classes. She earned her associate degree in 2008 and transferred to the University of Tennessee Chattanooga to pursue a degree in education. It didn’t take long for her to realize that teaching was not the right fit for her.
Without a clear career plan, Owens began working in healthcare as a medical assistant at an OB-GYN clinic. There, she discovered a call to help others.
“As I worked with doctors and learned so much, I found that I have a heart for taking care of people, especially on some of their hardest days” she said. “I wanted to take those next steps and go into nursing. I had a great experience at Cleveland State the first time, so I really didn’t consider any other options when I decided to go back for nursing.”
At the time, Cleveland State was launching an evening nursing program, allowing Owens to continue working during the day while taking classes at night.
“The office where I worked knew how important this degree was,” Owens said. “They were flexible and allowed me to leave early on the days that I had class or clinic. Looking back, I wonder how I was able to work full time and go to school, but the program was designed for working adults.”
Owens credits Cleveland State’s nursing instructors and the simulation lab for preparing her for a successful career.
“Nursing isn’t just what we read in the textbook; it is hands – on,” she said. “The skills lab gave us the confidence to go into our clinical experiences and practice what we learned. That was probably one of the best things that Cleveland State gave me for my career.”
After graduating from the nursing program in December 2013, Owens joined Erlanger in February 2014. She began her career in medical oncology before transitioning to gynecologic oncology, where she cared for women facing cancer diagnoses. Almost two years ago, she stepped into her current role as an Oncology Nurse Navigator for breast cancer patients.
As a navigator, Owens guides patients and their families through treatment and recovery helping coordinate care while serving as a source of support throughout their cancer journey.
“I have strong faith in the Lord, and I have absolutely loved taking care of oncology patients,” Owens said. “Working inpatient, you see them on their hardest days. I try to be a light and care for all their medical needs along with their emotional needs – whatever they need – holding a hand, wiping their tears.”
Her career in nursing has allowed Owens to prioritize time with her husband and two sons.
“I love spending time with my family, and this job allows me the opportunity to be available for my kids and whatever our family needs. I really love working for Erlanger. I’ve been here over 12 years, and I don’t have any plans of going anywhere.”
The next nursing evening sequence begins in January at Cleveland State. For more information, email nursing@clevelandstatecc.edu or call (423) 478-6228.