Jamie Ferris

Jamie Ferris is the recipient of the 2026–2027 Isabel McIsaac Scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds (NEF). She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.

Jamie began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse after graduating from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. She later earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from the Community College of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salve Regina University. She is a member of Sigma Delta Upsilon, the Salve Regina University chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, which recognizes excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

Motivated by a passion for patient advocacy, education, and compassionate care, Jamie developed a strong interest in preventive care, care coordination, and maternal-child health, leading her to pursue graduate education as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Beyond her clinical practice, Jamie serves as a Lead Lactation Community Program and Policy Specialist, working with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island (CTC-RI) to advance statewide breastfeeding initiatives. She contributes to breastfeeding strategic planning, program development, workforce initiatives, and efforts to improve access to lactation support services. She also helps plan and coordinate Rhode Island's annual breastfeeding conference, bringing together healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to promote evidence-based breastfeeding education and support.

Jamie works in pediatric primary care in Rhode Island as a Pediatric Nurse Care Manager. She is board-certified in care management (CMGT-BC) and is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In her role, she serves as a clinical resource for patients and families, leads a pediatric telephone triage team, and coordinates care for children with complex medical needs.

Upon completion of her Family Nurse Practitioner degree, Jamie plans to continue serving her community as a Family Nurse Practitioner, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. She hopes to combine her experience in primary care, care management, public health, and lactation support to improve healthcare access, promote preventive care, and advocate for individuals and families throughout Rhode Island. She also plans to pursue doctoral education in the future.

Receiving the Isabel McIsaac Scholarship is both an honor and an investment in Jamie's professional goals. She views this recognition as an affirmation of her commitment to nursing leadership, lifelong learning, and improving the health and well-being of patients, families, and communities.