Disney Star Finds Lifeline in ER Nursing

Former Disney star Jennifer Stone found a new path in life after navigating the pressures of Hollywood as a young actress. She credits her work as an ER nurse with keeping her grounded and humble, saying that nothing keeps you more humble than wiping a patient's bottom.

Stone's experience as a teenage Disney star was marked by glamour and fame, but also by intense scrutiny and high expectations. 'It was like our high school,' she said of the experience, 'but with access to money and things we wouldn't normally have.' She credits her parents for helping her stay grounded during this time.

After 'Wizards of Waverly Place' ended, Stone still needed to be humbled. This came when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 20 and spent years in and out of hospitals. Her experience as a patient ultimately inspired her to pursue a nursing degree, where she found a new sense of purpose.

Stone's perspective on the pressures of Hollywood has shifted since becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'You do not sweat the small stuff,' she explained. 'The entertainment industry stuff is so small compared to what we face in healthcare.' She reflects on how her experience as a patient makes it easier for her to put things into perspective.