Judy Young was first drawn to nursing through her family’s experiences. Her aunt and mom’s cousin enjoyed their nursing jobs and spoke fondly about their work, and her cousin had muscular dystrophy and received nursing care.

“I saw the struggles that he (her cousin) had growing up,” said Young. “I watched him and his caretakers and felt that it (nursing) was the right profession for me.”

Young is a registered nurse and a lifelong Manatee-Sarasota area resident. She built a fulfilling career in nursing care and leadership, including roles as a clinical manager, patient care director, surgical director and chief nursing officer (CNO) at local hospitals. In her new CNO position at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, she oversees nurses and other disciplines in the practice of nursing.

Young began her nursing education at Manatee Junior College (now SCF) in 1984. As an SCF student, she remained close to home, paid lower costs for schooling and trained in patient care. She graduated with an Associate in Science degree in nursing from SCF in 1987.

“I decided to attend State College of Florida, because I knew I wanted to become a nurse,” Young said. “I have always loved living here and wanted to serve my community once I graduated. I knew I would be able to start my profession without a lot of debt.”

While studying in the SCF nursing program, Young performed her clinical rotations at hospitals in the community and a psychiatric hospital in Arcadia, Florida. Her SCF and facility-based education, training and experiences furthered her passion for nursing and prepared her for the workplace and continuing education.

“Some of my favorite classes were in nursing,” she said. “I enjoyed studying nursing, performing skills and learning how to take care of patients in a confident way. All my classes were transferable to other colleges. I feel like I was set up for success by SCF, because I was able to go on and achieve other degrees.”

Higher education and professional development are important to Young. She dedicated many years to earning her bachelor’s degree in health care leadership from National Louis University, her master’s degree in business with a health care focus from Columbia Southern University, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University.

As a CNO, Young finds it rewarding to see staff members and leaders progress in their professions and fulfill their potential. She said nursing can be a demanding, yet supportive practice.

“Some of the most important qualities for a nurse to have are to be caring, compassionate, able to multitask and sometimes have nerves of steel to get through any situation thrown at you,” Young said. “You have others who support you along the way.”

Young appreciates her nursing profession. Her work has opened doors to continuous learning and growth.

“Being a nurse has given me opportunities to do many things that I hadn’t anticipated early in my life,” she said. “The leadership that I’ve been able to get into has expanded everything that I do and how I see the world.”

To today’s students, Young encourages them to take advantage of opportunities and believe in their capabilities to succeed.

“I would give the advice that you’ve got whatever you need in you,” Young said. “Never turn down opportunities, because somebody believes in you and that’s why they’re asking you to do it.”

Outside of work, Young loves to travel, spend time with her family and volunteer at a pet rescue organization. All four of her children have attended SCF in various ways.

“It’s (SCF) been a great option in our family,” she said.

Young looks forward to seeing where her kids go in their careers and where her three-year-old granddaughter goes in her life. She said she will encourage her granddaughter to continue with school.

Young plans to end her career as a CNO serving her beloved community and hopes her legacy will reflect both her professionalism and her fun, helpful nature.

“I want to be remembered as someone who can have fun at work, can be serious when it needs to be serious, and advocates for patients and staff,” she said.