PHX Reporter

PHOENIX (April 29, 2024) - Nurse Practitioner Jackie Cook from Banner Urgent Care reflects on her journey from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic to winning Mrs. Arizona American 2021. The experience was transformative for Cook, who worked at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center when COVID cases surged in Phoenix in 2020.

Cook recalls the transition to a COVID unit as a time of chaos and fear. During this period, a friend encouraged her to consider pageantry. "My friend told me that I had been through so many devastating and yet some incredible experiences and that I would make a great pageant queen," Cook said.

Initially dismissive of the idea, Cook eventually felt compelled to pursue it. "The only thing I had to lose was fear and a couple of extra pounds of weight gained from COVID," she stated. She trained for nine months while balancing her responsibilities as a full-time nurse and mother.

Tragedy struck when Cook lost her father, causing her to doubt continuing in the competition. However, with encouragement from her pageant coach, she persevered. In August 2020, Cook won Mrs. Arizona, leading to her being crowned Mrs. Arizona American 2021.

Through this journey, Cook learned how to balance her life and remain present for her patients at urgent care facilities. She also contributes as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon State University’s nursing program and is writing a book about her experiences.

"If [the Mrs. Arizona experience] taught me anything, it has taught me to take care of myself and to know when and how to speak up," said Cook.

Banner Urgent Care offers convenient treatment options for non-life-threatening conditions like cold and flu symptoms, infections, fevers, rashes, sprains, strains, and lacerations. It operates daily throughout the year.