From Culinary Arts to Nursing Science: How Jordan Buchanan Found Purpose in Nursing

Jordan Buchanan’s life is a remarkable story of reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. With 25 years of experience in the culinary world, including 15 years as a chef, Buchanan’s career ranged from washing dishes to serving as an executive chef, part-owner, and culinary school instructor. He even earned the prestigious Certified Executive Chef diploma from the National Restaurant Association. Despite his success, he felt a growing desire to make a change.

While working as the purchasing director for the Memphis Zoo’s culinary department, Buchanan began reflecting on his life’s direction. The pandemic, which temporarily shuttered restaurants and even the zoo, amplified his introspection. A pivotal moment came when he met a former culinary student who had transitioned into nursing. That encounter, coupled with his lifelong interest in the sciences, sparked a realization. “It felt like the answer to my prayers,” Buchanan said.

Within six months, he made the bold decision to leave his culinary career behind and enroll at the Loewenberg College of Nursing. Since then, Buchanan has embraced the challenges of nursing school while balancing his responsibilities as a father and his deep commitment to education.

Buchanan’s journey has been anything but easy. He juggles the demands of fatherhood, long study sessions, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing a new career path. “My family has been incredibly supportive,” he shared, noting the missed holidays, long hours, and the effort to make time for loved ones, even if just for a few precious moments at the dinner table. These sacrifices, he believes, are invaluable lessons for his daughter about integrity, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.

Support from classmates and professors has also been instrumental in his success. Despite being older than many of his peers, Buchanan has found camaraderie and encouragement within the Loewenberg community.

Looking ahead, Buchanan is focused on achieving his ultimate goal of earning a master’s degree and, eventually, a PhD. His commitment to lifelong learning is fueled by his belief that education is one of life’s most enduring gifts. For Buchanan, nursing is more than a career—it is a calling to care for others and a fulfillment of his personal mission to serve his fellow man.

“Life is a gift,” Buchanan said. “We must make the most of it.”