A Lifelong Calling: Jennifer Knights Reflects on 30 Years of Nursing at The Elliot

For Jennifer Knights, BSN, RN-BC, nursing isn’t just a career—it’s an integral part of who she is. “If someone asked me who I am, I would say, ‘I am a wife, mother, and nurse. I can’t imagine who I am without being a nurse,’” she shares. 

Jennifer’s journey in nursing began at a young age, inspired by her godmother, an ICU nurse in Massachusetts. “I knew since I was four years old that this is what I wanted to do and to be,” she recalls. That early inspiration set the foundation for a remarkable career at The Elliot, spanning three decades. 

A path shaped by dedication 

Jennifer began her career as an LNA at The Elliot while attending St. Anselm College, where she completed clinical rotations here. With the help of a scholarship from the hospital during her junior and senior years, she graduated and began her career on a med-surg floor just weeks later.  

Over the years, Jennifer’s roles at The Elliot have been as varied as they are impactful: two years on med-surg, ten years in the CICU, nursing supervisor full-time for three years and per diem for over a decade, three years in the ICU, nine years in the cardiac catheterization lab, and now, she works in cardiology and the device clinic. 

Through it all, Jennifer’s love for nursing has never wavered. “It’s a profession, a calling,” she says. “There’s a reason it’s a trusted profession. You see people at their best and worst. It’s wonderful. You can make a difference, even if it’s small. I love it.” 

A nurse’s heart 

Jennifer’s commitment to patient care shines through in her stories. One particularly meaningful moment came during the pandemic while she was working in the cath lab. A patient, expecting a routine result, instead faced the unexpected news that they urgently needed major surgery. Overwhelmed, the patient struggled to process their options. 

“I sat with him, simplified the vast amounts of information into digestible choices, and connected him with his family,” Jennifer recalls. “I checked on him later on CICU and listened to him work through his decision. He later sent me a letter, one of my prized possessions, saying, ‘Thank you for seeing me.’ He needed medical professionalism, but also a caring heart.” 

For Jennifer, nursing isn’t just about clinical expertise; it’s about compassion and connection. “There are days when I am exhausted, but I really like that nursing is both an art and a science. The technical innovations are ever changing and amazing, but the caring side is just as important and that will never change.” 

The challenges and rewards of nursing 

Jennifer acknowledges the challenges of modern nursing: the complexity of care and the emotional toll. “The unknown of what is coming is daunting,” she admits. “How technology will change healthcare is a huge question. How do we keep the caring heartbeat of nursing and not get lost in the technical? It’s a balance we will have to find together.”  

Despite the challenges, Jennifer finds strength in her team and her profession. “The best nurse is part of a team,” she says. “During the pandemic, I watched nurses walk in every day-sometimes scared and not knowing what to expect, and they came anyway because people needed them. We came together to offer care to each other and our patients. I’ve never been so proud to be a nurse.” 

The Elliot: A place to call home 

Jennifer’s deep connection to The Elliot is evident. “I am not just a nurse—I’m an Elliot nurse.” she says proudly. Having spent her entire career at the hospital, she believes its greatest strength lies in its people. “We do an amazing job taking care of patients. Every department I’ve been in, the teams work together to figure out how to provide excellent care. People smile and laugh. Not everything is perfect, but we are patient-first, and that shows.” 

A legacy of warmth and care 

As Jennifer looks to the future, she hopes her legacy will be one of compassion and excellence. “People say you won’t remember someone’s words or actions, but how they made you feel. I hope when I retire, people will say, ‘She was a really good nurse who took really good care of her patients.’ Warmth—that’s the feeling I hope to leave behind.” 

When she’s not at work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years, Jason, and their two children, Abby and Ryan. She enjoys hobbies like knitting, traveling, reading, walking, and enjoying the beach. The couple is looking forward to celebrating their anniversary with a trip to Paris. 

Jennifer Knights is a shining example of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism that define nursing at The Elliot. For her, it’s not just a job—it’s a lifelong calling.

Learn about nursing careers at The Elliot