Former Nurse Pursues Law Degree to Advance in Healthcare Field

Former Nurse Pursues Law Degree to Advance in Healthcare Field

With a decade of experience in both clinical and administrative healthcare roles, Jessica Creekmore has combined her nursing expertise with a growing passion for law.

Now, as she prepares to graduate from the College of Law in spring, she is eager to bring a different and powerful perspective to the legal field, one that has been shaped by years spent working in the hospital.

Creekmore, a third-year law student from Eagleville, Tennessee, earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012 and spent five years working bedside as a surgical ICU nurse. She then completed her master's degree in nursing, specializing in executive healthcare administration and leadership, from the University of Michigan in 2017. Afterward, she transitioned into an administrative role within the hospital and became a patient safety and risk management specialist, where she managed real-time medical errors and collaborated with in-house and external counsel.

After spending a few years in this role, Creekmore decided she could achieve more; she didn't want to wait another 20 years to gain the experience needed to advance to the next level.

"So, I figured I would go to law school so I could become that person, and I wouldn't have to rely on the attorney because I would be the attorney," Creekmore said. "I had a lot of exposure to a niche area of law, and I had thought about going to law school for a long time. I said, why not now? Even being in my 30s with a child, what is a better time than now?"

Medical malpractice can be a niche area of law because it requires knowledge of medicine and healthcare. With her nursing experience, Creekmore said she felt she would be an excellent fit for the field.

While Creekmore was accepted to many law schools, Toledo Law stood out for several reasons, mainly because she received a full-ride scholarship to attend. Nothing in her life needed to change; her husband could keep his job, and they wouldn't have to move. Plus, they were already familiar with the area, living just outside Ann Arbor.

Being a young mother can make participating in student life challenging, but it did not stop Creekmore from getting involved. She actively contributes to the Law Review as an articles editor and will be published later this year. She also helps with admissions by acting as a student ambassador.

Faculty guidance played a vital role in Jessica's success during her time at UToledo. She credits Professor Machalow, who began teaching the same year Creekmore started law school.

"Professor Machalow, who recommended me, and I have bonded very well," Creekmore said. "She has been a great friend and mentor. Her first year was my first year, so our journey has been together so far. I would say her especially because she has similarly aligned interests with healthcare law."

Creekmore currently works at a law firm in Livonia, Michigan, as a nurse paralegal. When she graduates, she will handle medical malpractice and professional licensing cases, similar to her previous work before law school, but now at the attorney level.

"It feels really good to be able to step into a position to protect my own community," she said. "And the people who are on the front line of care that I once was, so I am really excited about that."

Long-term, Creekmore said she sees herself becoming in-house counsel for either a hospital health system or a healthcare entity so that she can combine both her clinical expertise and background. This also will possibly lead to a position as in-house counsel down the road, with litigation experience. She also said she sees herself returning to UToledo at some point to teaching a class or two.

And new law students, Creekmore offered this advice: "Don't overthink the cold call. Acknowledge when you don't know and just do your best," she said. "Practice briefing your cases; you can't cheat your way out of knowing your cases long term."