Committed to Care: Jennifer Kelleher Inspires the Next Generation of Nurses 

From the moment Jennifer Kelleher put pen to paper in a fourth-grade classroom, her path was clear. Inspired by Florence Nightingale, Jen wrote about her dream of becoming a nurse, a goal that remained unwavering through decades of change, challenge, and service. 

Without any personal ties to the healthcare field, Jen pursued her calling with resolve, attending the University of Virginia on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Upon graduating in 1997, she was commissioned into the Air Force as a nurse. Her career took her across multiple states and care settings, including hospital, procedural, and ambulatory, shaping the well-rounded clinical experience she brings to her work today. 

Building a Career, Supporting a Family, and Inspiring Others 

Since joining The Elliot in 2014, Jen’s journey has continued to evolve. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of New Hampshire in 2019 with the help of Elliot’s tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and the ACE program.  

“I’ve maintained my medical-surgical nurse certification for many years and recently became certified in nursing professional development,” she said. “Over the last 11 years, I have worked in four departments, flexing my hours to accommodate school and raising my children.” 

Today, Jen is an ambulatory educator, a role she cherishes for its blend of clinical expertise and innovative problem-solving. She continues to serve as a nursing supervisor, a role she’s held for over a decade, which keeps her up to date with hospital-based care.   

“I love tapping into the creative side of my brain to design educational tools, tip sheets, and resources,” she said. “I also serve as a clinical instructor for the University of New Hampshire. Meeting with the students each week is inspiring. Witnessing the progression of their knowledge, confidence, and skills brings me joy!” 

Shaping the Future, One Nurse at a Time 

Jen’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom and into the broader culture of nursing. She celebrates the transformation she has observed in colleagues throughout the years. 

“Nurses who were working at the bedside when I started at The Elliot have now moved into a variety of leadership, educator, and provider roles,” she said. “It’s been amazing to watch their professional development journeys.” 

She sees nursing as a dynamic and flexible career with endless potential. 

“Nursing has been a professional and personally rewarding career for me. My true north is knowing that someone’s day was improved by the care that I provided,” she said. 

Strength in Compassion, Power in Presence 

Jen holds close to the moments when her presence made a lasting difference. One patient experience in particular stands out when a woman who came into the emergency department alert and conversational but quickly deteriorated. 

“We encouraged her sister to sit with her in the room, talking to her and letting her know she was there,” Jen recalled. “After the team left the bedside, I sat down next to the patient’s sister, and she expressed her gratitude for each staff member.” 

Even in grief, the patient’s family felt cared for. “She said that she felt supported from the moment she set foot in our facility,” said Jen. “Even in a tragic situation, we wrapped our arms around her family.” 

Leading Through Change in a Complex World 

After nearly three decades in healthcare, Jen has seen an immense transformation with more on the horizon. 

“Healthcare has changed considerably and will continue to do so,” she said. “The challenges with obtaining healthcare coverage leaves patients without preventative and routine care, which results in sicker patients arriving in the emergency department.” 

As the population ages and medical advances introduce new ethical considerations, Jen believes nurses are uniquely positioned to lead. 

“Nurses are trained to think creatively and propose solutions,” she said, applauding efforts around advance directive conversations. “Most people don’t understand the limitations of medicine until they are directly confronted with a major illness or injury.” 

Staying Grounded in a Demanding Career 

On tough days, Jen finds strength in her colleagues, and that camaraderie keeps her going.  

“My motivation comes from being a member of an exceptional team,” she said. “We work hard to support each other and our clinical staff.” 

“My nursing director is an incredible role model and mentor. She’s one of the best nurses I know,” she said. 

Gratitude, Purpose, and a Lasting Legacy 

Jen’s loyalty to The Elliot stems from her confidence in the organization and admiration for her team. Her various roles at the organization and participation on the Nursing Development and Recognition Council for nine years are invaluable, as collaboration is essential to healthcare. 

“Each week in orientation, I encourage new hires to ask me any question, and if I don’t know the answer, I know who does.” 

As for the legacy she hopes to leave? 

“I am beyond grateful to keep up with former students and Elliot employees and learn of their nursing accomplishments,” she said. “Knowing that I had a positive impact on their career is rewarding. As an educator, I strive to improve our staffs’ ability to provide the best possible patient care.”