New Faculty Profile: Get to Know Lauren Shurson, DNP, FNP-BC
Jan. 23, 2019
Please join us in welcoming Clinical Assistant Professor Lauren Shurson, DNP, FNP-BC, who joined the UA Nursing family this semester. A native of Texas, she spent time in Tennessee and Seattle before moving to Maricopa, AZ. She loves the Copper State sunshine – even when it’s 100 degrees outside.
What drew you to a career in nursing?
My mom was a nurse. Although she didn’t push nursing specifically, she had always urged me to go into health care. As of my junior year of high school, I was actually dead set on going into architecture and pursuing historical preservation. However, I was quite the nerd in high school and participated in the science fair, even when it wasn’t required. Through that, I won a fellowship at UT Southwestern School of Medicine. My primary investigator was an MD/PhD. As such, instead of just working in the lab, he invited me on grand rounds. After just one day, I had changed my mind and turned all my attention towards pursuing nursing.
What attracted you to the UA College of Nursing?
I completed my FNP and DNP at Vanderbilt University. Several people who are currently on staff at UA Nursing were faculty members at Vandy when I was there. They are pretty incredible, and I was excited to work with them.
What is your field of research/specialty?
I am very interested in the economies of practice. As a provider, we still have to keep the lights on. Yet, we also are in an altruistic field, and, as nurses, we pride ourselves in our connection with patients. I am interested in the intersection of those, often competing, ideas.
What courses do you teach?
I will be teaching Health Policy and 620a.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Allen, TX, which is in the sprawl of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Chasing after my two toddlers. That keeps my husband and I fairly busy. But, when we can, travel is always wonderful. I have recently discovered Pickleball. I am one of the younger ones, but it is a great way to connect with people in my community, and a great workout. I am also very involved at my church.