As we celebrate Nurses Month, we at USAHS wanted to get a sense of what a typical workday is like for a nurse manager. We asked alum Ahnnya Slaughter, DNP, to tell us all about a day in her life. Dr. Slaughter graduated in 2021 from USAHS’ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the Nurse Executive role specialty.
Coming from a military family, she began working at a VA hospital in the Los Angeles area 30 years ago as a critical care RN. “Veterans deserve the best care,” she says. “My calling wasn’t to be in the military. This is my way of being able to serve the country.”
Over the years, she worked her way up, through positions such as informatics specialist, deputy nurse executive, and director of clinical staff development. She began Read more
PhD, Capella University
MBA, Winthrop University
BSBA, Appalachian State University
Research Interests
Healthcare project management
Professionalism
Information technology
Diversity and inclusiveness; spirituality in healthcare and its impact on healing
Current industry training for diverse patient populations (ethnic, religious, gender identity)
Areas of Expertise
Executive LeadershipCurriculum DesignEducational LeadershipInnovation to enhance quality outcomes in healthcareHigher Education
Wood has twenty-five years of experience in higher education and almost forty years of healthcare management experience including positions in for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations (hospitals; physician practices; long-term care facilities; free and charitable clinic in a non-profit ministry); and a global information technology organization. She has worked with diverse populations of healthcare employees in various delivery systems. In addition to holding a PhD in Organization and Management with a concentration in IT and Healthcare Administration, she completed seminary studies and is an ordained pastor. Her passion is wholistic health, including the spirituality aspect of patient care and healing. She understands and encourages self-care in students, faculty, and staff. Inclusiveness is vital to helping people succeed. Meeting people where they are allows her to develop the trust and relationships needed to mentor them through their educational adventures and life’s journey. She has worked as a PRN Chaplain and has seen first-hand the importance of compassionate care particularly when patients and families are faced with a chronic illness or at end-of-life. Volunteerism is one of Dr. Wood’s passions. She advocates for assisted living residents through the Council on Aging Long Term Care Advisory Group, marginalized populations, serves on several boards, and is active in professional organizations. Fun Facts: She has raised four children and is a Certified Pickleball Coach.
