Angela Elmore DNP, RN-BC
Dr. Angela Elmore, DNP, RN-BC, is a dedicated nurse educator and clinical instructor with over three decades of nursing experience. She specializes in Medical-Surgical nursing and has cared for patients across medical, surgical, orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac specialties. Her extensive clinical background is complemented by leadership experience, including roles as charge nurse, clinical supervisor, clinical lead, and nurse manager, giving her a comprehensive perspective on patient care and healthcare operations.
For the past six years, Dr. Elmore has been shaping the next generation of nurses at Tulsa Community College, where she teaches LPNs and paramedics in the RN bridge program. She is deeply committed to innovative nursing education, focusing on curriculum development, university-level lecturing, and mindfulness-based interventions to help students manage stress and enhance patient care. Her work has inspired countless students, emphasizing both clinical excellence and compassionate care.
Dr. Elmore earned her Doctorate in Nursing Leadership with a specialty in Education from Samford University, further strengthening her expertise in nursing education and management. She is ANCC-certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and continues to contribute to the field through mentorship, teaching, and leadership. With a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Elmore embodies the values of integrity, compassion, and dedication in both her professional and personal life.
• Medical-Surgical Nursing (RN-BC)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• ANCC Certified
• Samford University - DNP
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying adaptable, continually learning new roles to prevent burnout, and fully committing myself to serving patients and students with compassion. Over my 33 years in nursing, I have found that my willingness to shift specialties and expand my skills has been key to my longevity in the field. Nursing has always been my calling, inspired by my mother and aunts, all of whom were in the profession.
My passion for teaching led me to pursue a Master’s in Nursing Education and transition into academia. Today, my expertise spans both nursing practice and nursing education, with 33 years of bedside experience across multiple specialties and six years serving as an Assistant Professor at Tulsa Community College.
My proudest achievement is the impact I have as an educator. While I have cared for countless patients throughout my career, I now have the privilege of shaping the next generation of nurses—multiplying my influence far beyond what I could accomplish at the bedside.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay open to learning every day, to ask questions, and to never be afraid to change direction if it helps me grow. I remind myself—and the young women I mentor—that nursing is a lifelong journey, not a profession with only one path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nursing is to stay curious and open to learning every day. Ask questions, seek guidance, and don’t be afraid to change direction if it helps you grow. Nursing is a lifelong journey, not a profession with only one path, and embracing that flexibility will allow you to thrive both personally and professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nursing today are burnout, staffing shortages, and the emotional demands of the profession. However, I see a tremendous opportunity in educating and preparing future nurses—empowering them with real-world experience and strong clinical judgment to succeed in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are service, lifelong learning, and integrity. Whether I’m caring for patients or educating the next generation of nurses, I strive to approach everything with heart, honesty, and excellence. Outside of work, I place great importance on community, family, and faith, which continue to ground and inspire me.