Heather McClellan has always had a love for nursing. Now, she is sharing her passion with the next generation.
McClellan joined UAB Medicine in 2018 and earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety (MSHQS) from the UAB School of Health Professions in 2023.
In addition to her academic achievements, she has been awarded the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, the Excellence in Neuroscience Nursing Award, and the Patient 1st Award.
McClellan recently started in her new role as a nursing professional development specialist for the Unit of Neuroscience Nursing (UNSN) and the Neuroscience Acute Care Unit (NACU), where she trains new nurses and helps current nurses advance their careers.
“I am inspired by people like Heather,” said Chief Nursing Executive Terri Poe. “She worked hard to get to the leadership level, where she felt she could have the most impact. It tells the story of what passion and support can do, and honestly, I think UAB is the greatest place for that.”
“Seeing the difference that we make in people’s lives every day here at UAB motivates me to keep coming,” said McClellan, who drives all the way from her home in Alexander City, Ala., for every shift.
Nicknamed “MacGyver” by her unit, McClellan loves thinking through problems and always stays equipped with her fanny pack full of tools to help things run more smoothly.
“I love to see new nurses full of hope and an eagerness to learn,” she said. “UAB is a great place, and if you have the heart for nursing, you will go far.”