After 17 years with East Alabama Health (formerly EAMC), Nancy Harrelson, director of the childcare center at East Alabama Health, was ready for a career change. She moved to Auburn University’s school of nursing in January 2016.
After starting as an administrative support, she became the coordinator of college programs. “Seven years ago, we were in Miller Hall, a smaller building, and had to place students and faculty in classrooms all over campus. I am proud of our new building and the growth it has seen since 2017, and the students who have classes and labs they need in one place,” she said.
Harrelson works with undergraduate and graduate students on their credentialling requirements. It requires working closely with graduate students as they begin clinicals and submit their paperwork packets to ensure they are accurate and that they have everything in order for their clinical placements. As a coordinator, her other roles include classroom scheduling, billing, schedule building, and other tasks that come up throughout the course of the day.
“My job is challenging, and my favorite part is working with and getting to know all AUCON students. I particularly enjoy the graduate and DNP students when they come to campus,” she added.
“Growth is necessary professionally and personally and change is imperative for programs to thrive. Working with people at the college is enjoyable and easy as we all work for the same goal of student success,
“Our faculty and staff work together for the success of future nurses, are open to growth, change, and challenges that contribute to the wisdom and knowledge of each student,” she added.
Harrelson, an Auburn alum with a degree in education, hoped that she would one day return to AU as an employee!
“My father, one of my brothers, my husband, both my children and our son-in-law all graduated from AU so there is a lot of family legacy and love for the university. Working in nursing brings so much value to my employment because nurses are a critical part of all stages in healthcare, and I count it a privilege to be a part of a group of individuals that truly love the work they do,” she added.
