Caroline Jenkins ’19, ’26DNP | UNCW

Caroline Jenkins ’19, ’26DNP began her healthcare career working as a certified nursing assistant at her local hospital in her hometown of Nashville, North Carolina. It was there that she first discovered the power of caring for others. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a career that would span high-acuity intensive care units, research and a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. 

Jenkins is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at UNCW, working in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Her journey has been shaped by a passion for nursing that began with a personal experience. 

“During my first year at UNCW, my grandmother underwent bypass surgery,” Jenkins recalled. “I was inspired by the kindness shown to my family and my grandmother during one of the most difficult times in our lives, and I knew I wanted to have that same impact on others.” 

Jenkins’s time as an undergraduate at UNCW was marked by mentorship, growth and discovery. Faculty in the School of Nursing nurtured her curiosity and confidence, encouraging her to ask questions, embrace challenges and pursue research. One mentor in particular, nursing professor Stephanie Turrise, played a pivotal role in her academic journey. 

“Dr. Turrise mentored me through my undergraduate Honors project and again as a graduate research assistant,” Jenkins shared. “Her mentorship has been instrumental in fostering my growth as a researcher. I am grateful for her unwavering support, which inspires me to continually learn, grow and make a difference in healthcare.” 

Jenkins’s Honors project was presented and published, an achievement that sparked a lasting interest in research, she said.  Her recent projects, focused on heart failure, directly connect to her work in the CVICU. 

“I care for many patients with complex cardiac conditions, many of whom are adversely affected by social determinants of health,” she said. “This has motivated me to explore ways to improve health equity and patient outcomes and promote healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of chronic disease.” 

Her involvement in an American Heart Association research grant alongside Turrise and an interdisciplinary team further deepened her commitment to community health. Jenkins contributed to participant recruitment, data collection and manuscript writing.  

“Working on interdisciplinary teams has taught me the importance of collaboration, communication and valuing different perspectives,” Jenkins said. “I’ve learned that each team member brings unique expertise, and collective knowledge leads to innovative solutions that improve community health.” 

As Jenkins continues her DNP journey, her goals are clear: graduate in May 2026 as a Family Nurse Practitioner, continue serving patients at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, engage in health promotion efforts and eventually become a nurse educator. 

“I’m most proud of my personal and professional growth throughout my nursing journey,” she said. “Working in high-acuity ICU settings, pursuing advanced education and engaging in meaningful research, I have learned to embrace challenges, take on leadership roles, and continue to seek opportunities to make a positive impact on my community.”