“The Martin Methodist nursing professors taught me what it truly means to be a nurse.”—Randi McElhaney
Randi McElhaney, one of Martin Methodist College’s alumni heroes, painted an image of herself as a nurse when she was young, and this image stayed with her and influenced her choice when it came time to select a college to call home. She wanted to attend an institution that mirrored the small, personal atmosphere she had grown accustomed to after graduating from a small high school, and she wanted a place where she could pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
Martin Methodist College was the answer for Randi because it was close to her home, offered numerous scholarships opportunities, had classrooms of a comfortable 20 to 30 students, and serves as the only baccalaureate nursing program in southcentral Tennessee. “The location and size of the college and town made Martin Methodist the perfect fit for me,” said Randi. “I was able to gain independence while not becoming overwhelmed or homesick.”
As a student, Randi excelled, and she credited her success to the faculty and staff members who helped her flourish. “In high school, teachers will tell you about how strict and distant college professors are,” said Randi. “However, that was not the case at Martin Methodist. The professors are kind, understanding and willing to go above and beyond to help you succeed. I truly believe that the faculty value their students’ education and overall success.”
In her nursing classes, Randi was taught by a tight-knit group of faculty members who equally value compassion and precision. “The nursing faculty empowered me to learn how to succeed both as a student and as a nurse,” said Randi. “Their roles are to facilitate learning and ensure our future patients receive exceptional care. I truly feel they prepared me to be the best nurse possible.”
After receiving the Faces of Nursing award for highest GPA among the senior nursing students and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2016, Randi began work at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tenn., where she serves full-time as an RN in the emergency department. She was also 1 out of 14 students accepted into the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. While excelling in her nursing career, Randi still wishes to keep a strong relationship with Martin Methodist. She wants to offer her full support toward the nursing program as it continues to grow and prosper.
The nursing program at Martin Methodist College continues to produce quality nurses who are serving in their local communities in Tennessee as well as in other states.