2024 Most Outstanding Methodist School of Nursing Alumna
Jan graduated from Methodist Hospital School (MHSN) with a Diploma in Nursing in 1966 and worked in the Emergency Department before working at her alma mater as an Instructor in 1970. She worked there and attended school at night for several years. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing (1973) and her Masters in Nursing (1977) both from the University of Tennessee Center Health Science Center. During this time, she continued working at MHSN as an Instructor and eventually the Assistant Director with responsibility for the Faculty and Curriculum. Jan was also responsible for supervising clinical students during this time.
The decision was made to close MHSN in early 2000. As the Assistant Director, Jan was responsible for the management of the school closing. Courses and faculty were phased out as students graduated. During this time care was taken to continue the high-quality curriculum and ensure that students continued to have excellent clinical experiences. All of this was accomplished through the excellent faculty and teamwork that Methodist always maintained. The last class graduated in April of 2006.
During the time of closing the school, Jan was continuing her education at University of Tennessee Center for The Health Sciences earning requirements to receive a post-masters certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2005.
In 2006, she worked as an FNP in a privately owned Clinic in Munford, TN. The Clinic had multiple Healthcare workers who cared for patients with appointments as well as walk-in patients. After working at May Medical for ten years, she retired after a total of fifty years in nursing in 2016!
Ms. Harrell has been a member of the American Nursing Association, Tennessee Nursing Association, and District One Tennessee Nursing Association. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
