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Meet Grace Morris. Fitness, cooking, and home DIY enthusiast who loves singing, checkered floors, gardening, and her family. Wife, mother of two boys, ages four and one, and Woodbrook Elementary’s school nurse. A 2023 Blue Ridge Community College graduate, former hospice nurse case manager, and a future DNP student. Currently in the third semester of the two-year RN to BSN program, and set to graduate in May 2025. 

Her Path to Nursing 

“As far as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. As I grew, that naturally became that I wanted to be a nurse. My biggest influence is my faith, and my wish to show those around me love and compassion without judgement. Everyone deserves that kind of care from their nurse. 

“In high school, I became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and worked in a day center for the elderly. I applied to the nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College, graduated in 2023, and became an RN.”

Her Nursing Roles 

“My first job was as a nurse case manager for a hospice program, which I’d never imagined for myself. I’d drive out to patients’ homes, people who wanted to be at home and to die peacefully, surrounded by their loved ones. In many cases, I was the only medical professional that they would see. It allowed me a lot of autonomy in my practice, but it was a lot more emotionally taxing, too. I learned so much and appreciated the experience and all the growth I obtained as a nurse, but it was really hard, too, to watch the families grieve. I’d connect with these patients, knowing they were going to pass. Losing them was always difficult.

"As a mom, I knew at some point I’d need a more flexible schedule. That’s when I became a school nurse and started working with children and families in Albemarle County at Woodbrook Elementary School in early 2024. That has been a lot of fun. There are a lot of ice packs, Band-aids, medications, and hugs to be given. I really enjoy watching the kids grow and do amazing things.“ 

“My role as a school nurse entails a lot of public health. At Woodbrook, we have a wonderful and diverse group of students. A good portion of the students do not speak English as their primary language, and have moved to the United States from all over the world, which also means they have experienced many different forms of healthcare. In September of this year, with a lot of hard work, I headed up a vaccination clinic with the help of interpreters, Woodbrook Elementary School staff, Albemarle County staff, and with the support of my professor, Malinda Whitlow, and UVA Health.

"These families are already so overwhelmed with moving to a whole new place. We wanted to do our part to provide them with much needed resources, and so brought the clinic to them, holding it at the school after hours. At first, I was nervous no one would come, but all the appointment slots got filled, and the families came and received the care they needed.

"The vaccine clinic was one of several Albemarle County Public Schools scheduled this year, and the first one done with help from UVA Health's division of outpatient pharmacy. The clinic was considered a successful pilot, which led to a second school-based vaccine clinic at a middle school, open to all community members earlier this fall.

"It’s made me realize that as nurses, we really can do big things, like providing equitable healthcare. A lot of times we can feel like we’re in a box, but there are so many ways we can make a huge difference.” 

Why She Returned to Earn a BSN 

“I’ve lived in Charlottesville my whole life; it’s always been my dream to go to UVA. In healthcare, things are always changing and growing. Each of us in this profession is a leader, whether we know it or not. We’re the ones advocating for these individuals, and all of us are leaders in different ways.

“This BSN program has taken qualities I knew and didn’t know I had, strengthened them, and has shaped me into a better nurse and a better person for my patients and those around me. It’s helped me in so many ways, opened so many doors, and opened up my eyes to so many things. I cannot recommend the RN to BSN program enough.” 

Balancing Work, Family, and School 

“I was nervous about balancing it all. The work is challenging, but possible, with the support of professors like Dr. Whitlow, other faculty, my family, and God. I couldn’t have gotten through this without them.

“Our professors really think outside the box about how to help us learn in ways that make you dig deeper. Classes are topic-based and can apply to anyone’s practice, like: How can you be a strong leader? What’s a faulty process you see that you could improve? For me, it was the vaccine clinic and providing equitable healthcare to all of my students. We are all able to make a difference right where we are.” 

UVA School of Nursing in a Word?

“INCLUSIVE. No matter what walk of life you are in, people find a place here, a home. As a young mother, I’ve felt extremely supported. You can bring your baby to class, if need be, or to a Zoom meeting. I think it is safe to say that if you asked any of my peers, they would feel the same way: that UVA meets you where you are, and supports you throughout your journey here.”