Our latest Alumni Q&A features nursing and business graduate J.T. Sciascia, Emergency Services Nurse Manager at Washington Health System (PA). Sciascia, a former Waynesburg football player, received his BS/BA in Business Management in 2007, then returned to Waynesburg and completed the RN to BSN Second Degree program in 2014. In 2017, he earned his MBA in Health Systems Administration from Waynesburg.
Q: What is your current job, and what is your current location?
Currently, I serve as Washington Health System’s Emergency Services Nurse Manager, and I am located in Washington, PA.
Q: Can you describe your typical day?
My typical day is filled with lights and sirens and good people. I work for the best organization, with the best staff a manager can ask for. Our days are long and hard, but our faith and strong teamwork get us through.
Q: Can you describe your time at Waynesburg and how it shaped you as a person?
My time at Waynesburg College, now University, was amazing in so many ways. As a freshman, I was part of the 2003 PAC Championship football team, who defeated archrival Washington & Jefferson for the first time in years. I was blessed to be coached by Jeff Hand and Jason Falvo, who helped shape a young, homesick boy from Richeyville (PA) into a man. I also made a lot of connections and bonds with fellow classmates and teammates that still last today. Waynesburg offers a curriculum that not only prepares you for a career, but also shapes you into a well-rounded person.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Waynesburg student?
I loved every minute of my time at Waynesburg. Whether it was football camp, move-in day, or finals week, it was hard but fun. Besides being part of the 2003 championship football team, the other memory that sticks out the most is being part of the last graduating class of Waynesburg College (’07, before it became Waynesburg University). Pretty cool claim to fame!
Q: Where has life taken you since graduating from Waynesburg University?
Life after Waynesburg has taken me to Washington Health System’s Emergency Department. I started as a graduate nurse, and worked my way up to being the Manager (which sounds like Drake’s song “Started From the Bottom”). Even after graduating in 2007 (Business Management), life brought me back to Waynesburg University twice to finish my BSN as well as my MBA (health care administration focus).
Q: Why is staying connected with your alma mater important to you?
Staying connected with Waynesburg is important because it keeps me linked with fellow alumni, as well as the current endeavors at the school. Remaining close with my Waynesburg community provides the opportunity to promote the school and potentially recruit students looking to finish their degrees or graduate studies. Waynesburg has given me lifelong connections for which I will forever be grateful.
Q: Who was your favorite professor at Waynesburg, and why?
My favorite professor during my time at Waynesburg was either Mike Romzy or Rob Murray. Both men were able to relate to their students and made learning about business fun. Connecting to your students is imperative to a successful and meaningful learning experience.
Q: What advice do you have for current students? For recent graduates?
Current students, do not give up under any circumstance. There is light at the end of the finals week tunnel! Also, college will go by so fast, so enjoy every moment and make as many memories as you can. Recent graduates, stay connected with the school, as well as fellow alumni. When starting your career, this will serve you well.
