Rooted in Purpose: Chayce Foster’s Journey from Nursing Student to Patient Advocate

Long before Chayce Foster entered a classroom at the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing, the foundation for her future career was already taking shape.

Her grandfather worked in the medical field and kept an extensive collection of medical books in his home. Beginning in middle school, Foster spent time with him discussing diseases, medical conditions and the science behind the human body. Those early conversations sparked a curiosity that would eventually grow into a passion for health care.

“I was drawn to health care and science from a young age, largely because of my family’s encouragement,” Foster said. “My grandfather worked in the medical field and had an extensive collection of medical books in his home.”

Although she knew she wanted to work in health care, Foster was initially unsure which path was right for her. During her freshman year of college, she began researching nursing and quickly discovered that the profession offered everything she was seeking: meaningful work, career stability, a variety of professional opportunities and the ability to provide direct care to patients.

Most importantly, nursing offered her the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

Foster committed to the profession and graduated from LCON in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The education she received prepared her with more than clinical knowledge. It helped shape her understanding of what it truly means to care for another person.

“My time at the Loewenberg College of Nursing gave me a strong clinical foundation and helped shape the way I approach patient care today,” Foster said. “Beyond developing my clinical knowledge and skills, my nursing education taught me the importance of critical thinking, compassion, advocacy and treating each patient as a whole person.”

That foundation would soon be tested in ways few new nurses could have anticipated.

Foster began her nursing career during the COVID pandemic, one of the most difficult and uncertain periods in modern health care. Policies, treatments and safety protocols changed rapidly as nurses worked tirelessly to care for patients while navigating an unfamiliar virus.

Beginning her career during such a challenging time required Foster to adapt quickly, remain resilient and continue learning in an environment where change was constant. Rather than allowing the uncertainty to discourage her, she used the experience to become a stronger and more confident nurse.

“Starting my career during that time taught me very early on the importance of adaptability, resilience and being willing to learn in an ever changing environment,” she said.

Foster continued advancing her education and career, eventually becoming a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Today, she specializes in internal medicine and serves as the primary provider at a high acuity skilled nursing facility. She manages a wide range of acute and chronic conditions while delivering comprehensive care to patients with complex medical needs.

Her role requires clinical expertise, sound judgment and the ability to respond to difficult situations. Yet for Foster, one of the most important responsibilities cannot be measured by a test score or professional credential. It is making sure every patient feels heard.

Throughout her career, Foster has become a passionate advocate for her patients. Whether she is speaking for someone who may not have a voice or working to ensure a patient receives the care they deserve, advocacy has become one of the most meaningful parts of her work.

“I am most proud of the advocate I have become for my patients,” Foster said. “Knowing that my patients feel heard, valued and cared for is what means the most to me.”

Her commitment to compassionate care has not gone unnoticed. Foster has received a DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing and was named a Spotlight Provider by her company. While she is grateful for the recognition, she remains focused on the people behind the honors: her patients.

After nearly seven years in the nursing profession, Foster has learned that growth does not end at graduation. Health care continues to evolve, and she believes great nurses must be willing to evolve with it.

It is a lesson she hopes current nursing students will carry with them as they prepare to enter the profession.

“My biggest piece of advice to current nursing students is to give yourself grace and remain open to where your career may take you,” Foster said. “Nursing offers so many different paths, and you do not have to have your entire career figured out when you graduate.”

She encourages students to focus on building a strong foundation, asking questions and remaining committed to learning. She also reminds them never to lose sight of the trust patients place in their nurses during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Foster’s journey from a curious middle school student reading medical books with her grandfather to a trusted nurse practitioner reflects the possibilities within the nursing profession. Her career has been shaped by challenge, growth and an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy.

Although nursing has not always been easy, Foster remains grateful for the experiences that have shaped her into the provider she is today.

“I feel blessed to be a nurse,” she said.

For Foster, nursing is more than a career. It is an opportunity to continue learning, to advocate with courage and to ensure every patient receives care grounded in compassion, dignity and respect.