For sophomore Juliana Paxson, pursuing a nursing degree has always been about serving others. Through her involvement in Army ROTC and completion of the U.S. Army’s rigorous Air Assault School, she is developing the leadership, resilience, and critical thinking skills that will prepare her for a future as both a nurse and an Army officer.
Paxson chose the College of Nursing and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville because of its strong reputation, supportive faculty, and commitment to preparing compassionate, patient-centered nurses.
“I was looking for a program that would challenge me while also providing opportunities to grow as a leader,” she said. “From the beginning, I felt that UT would provide me with the opportunities I needed.”
Although she is still early in the BSN program, Paxson says the college has already had a meaningful impact on her professional development.
“The college has already helped me develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills that are essential in healthcare,” she said.
Those same qualities are reinforced through her experience in Army ROTC, where she has embraced opportunities to grow as both a leader and future military officer.
“I have always been drawn to opportunities that challenge me physically, mentally, and as a leader,” Paxson said. “Army ROTC has given me the chance to further develop my discipline, resilience, and confidence while learning to lead others under pressure. The opportunity to serve something greater than myself is what ultimately motivated me to pursue a commission as an Army officer.”
Following graduation, Paxson plans to serve as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps, combining her passion for nursing with military service.
As part of her ROTC training, Paxson successfully completed Air Assault School, one of the Army’s most demanding leadership courses. Often referred to as the Army’s “10 toughest days,” the course focuses on rotary-wing aircraft operations, sling-load rigging, helicopter rappelling, and challenges students both physically and mentally.
Throughout the training, participants learn aircraft safety, air assault planning, sling load operations, and rappelling while completing obstacle courses, written examinations, hands-on evaluations, and multiple timed ruck marches and runs.
For Paxson, the experience strengthened skills that directly complement her nursing education.
“Air Assault School strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically in challenging situations, and work effectively as part of a team,” she said. “Those are all skills that directly translate to nursing.”
She hopes to eventually become a flight nurse, caring for critically ill or injured patients in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
“As someone who hopes to become a flight nurse, I know I will care for patients in critical conditions where teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making are essential,” Paxson said. “Combining my nursing education with the leadership, resilience, and operational experience I have gained through Army ROTC and Air Assault School will help me provide the highest level of care while serving both my patients and my fellow Soldiers.”
Whether in the classroom, on a military training course, or one day aboard a medical evacuation aircraft, Paxson is preparing to lead with compassion, confidence, and a commitment to service.
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)