UNA Anderson College of Nursing & Health Professions

It’s Faculty Friday! Meet Dr. Ann-Marie Irons, DNP, RN

Why I Chose Nursing
For me, nursing was never just a career choice; it was a calling to be present for people in their most vulnerable moments. I chose this path because it beautifully bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and human connection. There is an absolute joy in knowing that your skilled hands, critical thinking, and compassionate heart can help someone leave better than they arrived. It is a profession where you can genuinely see the ripple effect of your care every single day.

What Makes ACONHP So Special to Me
When people ask me what sets the ACONHP apart, my answer is always immediate: we are a family. Nursing school is an intense, rigorous mountain to climb, but no student walks it alone here. What we have built at ACONHP is a true community that extends far beyond graduation day, and the bond doesn’t end when my students cross the stage. Seeing a former student excel as a clinical leader and then pour that knowledge back into our classrooms is one of the greatest rewards of my career.

What an incredible day at our Aspiring Nurses and Health Professions Camp! 🦁

A huge thank you to all of the high school students who joined us to explore careers in healthcare, learn new skills, and experience what it's like to be a part of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions.

We loved having you on campus and hope this event inspired you as you consider your future in nursing and the health professions.

Missed this year's camp? Don't worry—be on the lookout for information about next year's dates and opportunities.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Amanda Hitt on being awarded the Julie Haddon Matthews Professorship!

Through this professorship, Dr. Hitt will also help advance efforts to provide nursing services and education to individuals living with diabetes, supporting improved health outcomes and community well-being.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor—congratulations, Dr. Hitt!

We are still beaming with pride over the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions' Fall 2025 Traditional BSN cohort and their incredible achievement of a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX!
This pass rate is more than a statistic—it represents future nurses who are prepared to provide exceptional care and make a difference in their communities.

We are incredibly grateful to the Shoals Community Clinic for the opportunity to partner in serving our local communities. Through this collaboration, our nursing and occupational therapy assistant students, alongside dedicated faculty, have the privilege of gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping provide care to those in need.

We are honored to be a part of this mission and look forward to watching your new facility grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact for years to come.

The London Study Abroad group has arrived. Hoping they have a safe and wonderful trip.

It is Why Wednesday! Let's meet Traditional BSN student Chrislyn DeMorse.

I am currently in level 3 of nursing and will be starting level 4 in the fall!

I pursued nursing because I’ve always wanted to care for others when they need it most!! One of the things I love about nursing is the unpredictability—depending on the department, you might meet someone on the best day of their life or the worst. Growing up with parents in the medical field, I knew from a young age that this was the path I wanted to follow. Over time, that calling has only grown stronger! I truly love helping and caring for others, no matter the situation, and I feel that the Lord has placed this passion on my heart. I’m excited to see where this journey leads me! My favorite part about ACONHP is the family-like environment. The instructors and students make it feel like home, and that support has meant so much to me!

Has it really only been a month since graduation?

In just a few short weeks, our graduates have already begun making an impact in their careers, communities, and healthcare settings. It’s hard to believe that only a month ago, we were celebrating this incredible milestone together.

We are so proud of our graduates and all they accomplished during their time with us. Watching them step into the next chapter with confidence and compassion is what it’s all about. Congratulations again to the Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to see all you continue to achieve!

For the first time in the history of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, a cohort has achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX! This remarkable accomplishment by our Fall 2025 graduates is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, as well as the unwavering support and expertise of our faculty.

We are incredibly proud of this historic achievement and honored to celebrate the success of these outstanding graduates. Congratulations, Fall 2025 cohort! We look forward to watching you make a lasting impact in the nursing profession and the communities you serve.

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career?

Join us on June 10 at 12:00 PM to learn about the expanding opportunities available in the nursing profession. From advanced clinical practice to leadership, education, and beyond, the future of nursing has never been brighter.

Our faculty will share how an advanced nursing degree from UNA can help you reach your professional goals and open doors to exciting new career paths.

Discover what's possible. Invest in your future. Become a leader in healthcare.

We look forward to seeing you there!
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