Jacqueline Flagler

Story Posted: Spring 2025

Journey to GMercyU

A 2020 graduate of William Tennent High School, Jacqueline Flagler discovered GMercyU when searching for colleges close to home. She wanted somewhere she could commute to that also had a welcoming and vibrant student life.

GMercyU’s selling point was the overall support and resources offered to students. I also felt like I could be a big fish in a small pond, and I loved the idea of that,” shared Jacqueline.

She first visited in October 2019 for an instant decision day and recalled the warm and welcoming atmosphere faculty and staff made for students.

One I got my acceptance letter, I knew it was a place that I could really see myself attending. Everything about that day gave me a sense of belonging.

Involvement on Campus

Now a senior, Jaqueline is pleased to look back at her time at GMercyU and her involvement on campus. She is currently the President of GMercyU’s Morgan’s Light Alliance Against Dating Abuse. As the former Secretary and now President, she has helped spread awareness of the signs of unhealthy relationships in young adults by hosting events and fundraisers throughout the year.

Jacqueline also served as a Griffin Ambassador with Admissions and an Orientation Leader during First-Year Orientation. In both roles, she welcomed prospective and new students to campus.

In addition to her leadership roles on campus, Jacqueline has taken part in several volunteer opportunities, including her assistance with Take Back the Night, an annual event raising awareness about domestic violence. She’s also assisted in cleaning up and planting flowers in the Campus Learning Garden and wrapping gifts and preparing meals for those less fortunate.

Why Respiratory Care?

Originally attending GMercyU studying another major, Jacqueline attended a transfer student event to learn about different options.

Respiratory Care Program Director Randy Solly had been talking about what a Respiratory Therapist does on a daily basis, and I really felt as though I could see myself spending my future doing just that. after a few emails and meetings with Professor Solly, I was soon enrolled into a program that I have felt nothing but passionate about since day one.

Experience in Respiratory Care

“From the start of my time in the Respiratory Care program I have felt nothing but endless support and encouragement from all faculty members. I owe much of my appreciation and gratitude to Professor Solly, Assistant Professor Schuster, Instructor Thornborough, and Instructor Ash,” Jacqueline said.

Professor Thornborough has had a great impact on Jacqueline’s experience in the program, always serving as a listening ear and being accommodating and benevolent.

“Professor Thornborough is truly someone I look up to with the highest regard, whether it is in the clinical practice setting or when needing someone to lean on,” Jacqueline shared.

When reflecting on her time in the program, Jacqueline recalled her Respiratory Pharmacology course taught by Instructor Ash. Throughout the duration of the course, her intelligence was tested upon tis limitations and her habits for intaking information were modified. While the course was challenging, Instructor Ash was always there to answer questions and offer extra help.

Clinical Experience

Jacqueline has had the pleasure of completing her clinical rotations at some of the best hospitals in the area, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Grand View Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She was responsible for performing tasks such as airway management, chest physiotherapy, medication administration, sampling of arterial blood gases, and oxygen therapy. Additionally, she had the opportunity to assist for clinical change, monitor patient responses to therapy, manage mechanical ventilation, BIPAP, and high flow equipment.

“One thing I really enjoy doing in my time in clinical is collaborating with the primary care teams and truly understanding respiratory disease management,” shared Jacqueline.

Post-Graduation Plans

After graduating in May 2025, Jacqueline plans to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) stat licensure exams. She is currently applying for respiratory therapist positions at a number of medical facilities to see what best fits her wants and needs.