Jasmine Jackson
Name, Role, Tenure at SSC
My name is Jasmine Jackson and I am currently practicing as a medical provider/psychiatric nurse practitioner at our outpatient locations in Maryland. I received my master’s degree from Purdue University and am board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
What first drew you to Sandstone Care, and what felt important to you about joining this team?
I joined the Sandstone Care team on October 22, 2021 as a PRN overnight nurse at our adolescent residential treatment center located in Crownsville, Maryland. My passion for mental health and comprehensive patient care began prior to me enrolling in nursing school in 2011; my affinity for mental health nursing became increasingly apparent following that specific rotation in nursing school. I was drawn to the position at Sandstone because it was unique from any opportunity previously extended to me. During a time in which the COVID pandemic placed strain on nurse to patient contact and connection, this opportunity offered just that; the ability to connect, influence, support, and guide the age population most affected by the social isolation and aftermath of disconnect the pandemic provided. It was important to me to honor my role, to learn as much as I could about adolescent mental health and substance use, to remain authentic and patient-centered, and to show up consistently for the clients and my team.
What new opportunities have you discovered during your time here?
Since joining Sandstone, I’ve seen so many opportunities for growth and development. What started as two houses with the ability to serve 23 clients, quickly grew into a total of four houses increasing accessibility to 47 clients! Professionally, I was able to grow into an Assistant Director of Nursing position in July 2022, and later a Director of Nursing position in October 2023. In my roles as ADON and DON, I had the humbling opportunity to witness extensive growth and development for the Nursing/Medical departments as a whole. The team expanded to over 100 direct care nurses and BHTs, the department was able to benefit from the implementation of a training department which offers necessary and specific opportunities for professional growth and development. Several performance initiatives were successfully planned and started, including the implementation of enhanced client safety tools and therapeutic alliance measurements to determine areas of opportunity and to identify strengths in the client and care team relationship. Most recently, in April 2025, I was supported in transitioning to my current role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in our outpatient locations. A bittersweet transition, but another display of the endless opportunities for advancement, growth and development within the company.
What moments stand out to you as especially meaningful in your career at Sandstone Care?
It’d take me a lifetime to identify every meaningful moment in my almost 4 years with Sandstone Care; everyday had it’s challenges and it’s even larger rewards. Watching clients come in with little to no tools for managing some very difficult struggles and experiences in life and attending transitions ceremonies in which they are able to present their stories in a way that radiates resilience and determination while also motivating their peers will forever be memorable to me.
How has the team or culture at Sandstone Care contributed to your development?
All of the personalized coaching an support I’ve received from mentors, leaders, supervisors, and the direct care teams have helped to shape who I am as a current provider. The culture at Sandstone has been one of authenticity, acceptance, partnership, and challenging one another to create undeniable strength and competence. During my time at Sandstone, I have experienced a trust and alignment with my team on core values, common goals, and shared purpose.
If you could share advice with a new team member just starting out, what would you want them to know about opportunities at Sandstone Care?
My advice to a new team member starting out at Sandstone would be to lean into your authenticity, to be clear with yourself about expectations, and to take advantage of the endless opportunities for growth and development. The work we do with our client’s is necessary, life-changing, and many times life-saving; knowing you are committed to quality, safe care is so valuable to them. Setting goals and clear intentions with yourself and your team will allow a cohesive approach to care for the clients and necessary support for you. Most importantly, utilizing the growth opportunities will further you confidence and competence in your role. Take advantage of the training opportunities, the support is professional/career advancement, and the knowledge of your leadership team and peers!
