PirateQ 
Jessica Mahuron, RN, BSN
Nurse Jessica Mahuron reflects on her dual-degree PSC journey
Jessica Mahuron, a nurse with Emerald Coast Hospice, holds an RN degree and a BSN degree from Pensacola State College and has a message for nursing students: “Growth is important at any age. Don’t give up!”
A 1995 graduate of Escambia High School, she was 34 when she completed her RN degree in 2011, after spending years in restaurant management.
“My initial intention was to go right back for my BSN, but I had two elementary-school-age children, and I wanted to prioritize them,” said Mahuron. She returned to school for her BSN in 2022 and completed the program last year at age 48.
Mahuron says she loves the specialized field of hospice nursing, which focuses on providing holistic comfort care, pain management and emotional support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families, and she is considering returning to school for her master’s degree.
“I chose PSC because the nursing program was accredited, and I wanted to attend an ASN program. I enjoyed my experience, so I circled back for my BSN,” said Mahuron.
Mahuron says that she views PSC as a small college with big opportunities and is particularly grateful for the support of Nursing Instructor Diane Jennette and Student Services Coordinator Edith Fox among the PSC faculty and staff who had the most positive impact on her experience at PSC’s Warrington campus, helping her throughout the process.
“I have great memories of PSC from both programs,” she said. “I met many wonderful students and teachers. I’m so thankful I chose PSC and grateful for the experience.”
Mahuron has worked as a nurse in a hospital setting, in home health and as a clinical liaison for an SNF/LTC (Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care) company. She has been employed for five years with Emerald Coast Hospice, where she serves in leadership on the business development team.
“Hospice is special. It’s not an area I ever saw myself working in; however, it fills my cup to meet with families and to support them at the most difficult time as they are navigating what’s next,” she said. “Hospice is underutilized, and my team is responsible for educating the community on the benefits of hospice and palliative care.”