35 under 35
Jordan Gaydos, BSN, RN Pi Psi - California State University/San Marcos
Trauma Intermediate Care Registered Nurse, Palomar Health
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Generosity
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
My nursing journey began in 2015 when my mom was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer unexpectedly while she was having another surgery performed. While spending time with her in the hospital for surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, I discovered that nursing combined my passion for science and service. As a student extern on the Trauma Intermediate Care floor my final semester of nursing school, I saw the strong teamwork dynamic the unit and interdisciplinary teams had with each other when providing patients with the highest quality of care. From my experiences as a student, I knew that unit was the unit I needed to be on, and was determined to set myself up for the opportunity to do so. As for key moments in my career, every shift, patient and their stories have shaped me into who I am today. They have taught me to appreciate the true luxuries in life such as communicating our needs, ability to travel and creating memories with those we love. Our lives can be changed so quickly by factors outside of our control, so we have to make the most of it with the time and opportunities we have today.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
My first ever nursing school instructor, Mo, has continued to be an invaluable mentor for me as a Trauma IMC nurse. Fundamentals was the first chapter into my nursing school journey, and he created an environment where my classmates and I could learn and not be intimidated by the material. We felt comfortable making mistakes because we knew we would be able to learn from them and not be discouraged. I truly think starting my nursing chapter with his class as the foundation gave me a more positive mindset of the courses and that it was okay to not succeed the first time around as long as I kept trying. In my current profession, I still get to work alongside Mo on patient cases today since he is a cardiology nurse practitioner. Even though we are coworkers now, I still get to learn from him to gain more knowledge and insight on the profession.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
In my kindergarten graduation pamphlet, my teacher had listed our future professions, which included all types such as teaching and marine biologists. Despite my kindergarten self writing that I wanted to be a nurse, that idea did not become a reality until fall 2015, when my mother was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer unexpectedly. I had never pictured myself as a nurse and honestly did not think I was capable of holding a title in the most trusted profession. It was around this time that college applications were being submitted and after speaking to the nurses who cared for my mom, I decided to go for it. I volunteered in the chemotherapy department my first year of university and began my journey with Delta Zeta around the same time. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the traditional program of nursing based on the points system at CSU San Marcos by being 2.5 points from the cutoff. My purpose and identity over two years came to a screeching halt, but I knew that rejection was a redirection to be put me on the path I was meant to be on. In my time of rediscovering myself, I was able to take a deeper dive into Delta Zeta philanthropy opportunities and make more of a lasting legacy with CSUSM Athletics as a student leader in the department. With Delta Zeta, I was able to give my time as Vice President of Philanthropy for my chapter in 2018, Vice President of Philanthropy & Service for National Panhellenic Council at CSU San Marcos in 2019, Global Marketing & Philanthropy Intern for Delta Zeta in 2020, and now a Philanthropy Advisor for my collegiate chapter. In July 2023 I was able to combine my profession and passion for philanthropy at The Painted Turtle as a cabin nurse during special diagnoses week. All of these areas of my life have fueled the curiosity I have for the nursing profession in wanting to be a confident leader and serving those in their most vulnerable states.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I truly believe it is important to give back to the people and organizations that have made you into the person you are today. I would not be in the position I am today as a Trauma IMC nurse if I did not have the continued support and generosity of CSUSM Athletics, Delta Zeta, and nursing leaders from my clinical shifts. I have provided my time and experience to CSUSM Athletics by assisting in their game day operations when needed. This includes training new staff in their roles and providing play-by-play calls for our stats crew. Now that I am more established in my career, I am able to incorporate generosity into my work by having local nursing students shadow me during their clinical rotations and empowering them to take initiative with their skills. When I gain more experience in my role as a nurse, I would like to become a clinical instructor at the university.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I started to find my supportive community at CSU San Marcos through athletics and Delta Zeta. It was through these organizations that I was introduced to the most supportive and loving individuals who are now my lifelong friends and family. One of those sisters that became a true sister was Ashley Persson. Ashley was there from the very beginning so much so that her family has taken me in as their daughter, sister, auntie and even cousin. When I was initially rejected from the traditional nursing program and shut everyone out, she went through great lengths to contact my mom to talk to me. Ashely provided the support I needed during one of the toughest times of my academic journey. Her own determination, strength and generosity inspires me everyday to be a better version of myself in all aspects of life.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
Empowerment to me means finding the interpersonal fuel and drive to be the best version of yourself, and having that reflect in your ideas, words and actions. In my unit specifically, we rely heavily on the teamwork dynamic of our staff and support of one another. Without the strong foundation of supporting our team or encouraging one another, we would fall apart. I feel very blessed to be a part of a team that comes together for the highest quality of care for our patients and their families. As for my personal life, I truly love supporting my friends and family in their endeavors. Sometimes it can be difficult to picture ourselves achieving a certain goal or career advancement. Having that unwavering support and encouragement from those around us can turn those dreams into reality.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
Belonging is one of the core psychological needs of humans. Everyone wants to feel like they belong and have a purpose in this world. I understand firsthand what it is like to be excluded from places and by people. It took a lot of time with my own thoughts, but I have realized that it is not worth my time and effort to force myself into spaces that do not accept me for who I am. I try my best to make those around me know that I appreciate them for who they are and what they bring into this world. If we all excelled at every aspect of life, there would be no need to build relationships or learn the stories of those around us. We all have different strengths and experiences to provide in this lifetime.