Jaclyn Duncan, MSN, RN, NE-BC, PCCN
Jaclyn Duncan, MSN, RN, NE-BC, PCCN, is a dedicated nursing leader at Atrium Health, currently serving as the Nurse Manager of a medical‑surgical and progressive care unit in a rural healthcare setting. Entering her fifth year in this role, Jaclyn brings a patient- and team-centered approach shaped by her own frontline experience, having started her healthcare journey as a CNA. Her leadership emphasizes mentorship, trust, and empowerment, creating an environment where teams can collaborate, innovate, and deliver high-quality patient care.
Throughout her career, Jaclyn has steadily progressed from a new graduate nurse to assistant manager and now nurse manager, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and clinical excellence. She is certified in Progressive Care Nursing (PCCN) and holds the Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC), reflecting her dedication to advancing both her own skills and the capabilities of those she leads. Jaclyn is passionate about fostering emerging leaders, serving as Emerging Leader Co-Chair on the board of the North Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders, where she mentors future nursing leaders.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Jaclyn earned both her BSN and MSN, along with a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. Her leadership philosophy is guided by faith, patience, and a deep commitment to family, which she balances alongside her professional responsibilities. Recognized as a Great 100 Nurse of North Carolina in 2023, Jaclyn continues to make a meaningful impact on patient care, her teams, and the broader nursing community, inspiring others through both her professional accomplishments and her personal example.
• Nurse Executive (NE-BC)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Progressive Care Nursing (Adult) (PCCN)
• RN
• CNA
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte - MSN
• Great 100 Nurse of North Carolina
• NCNA/ANA
• NCONL
• Sigma Theta Tau
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to my faith in God and the unwavering support of my family. Rising through frontline roles, starting as a CNA, taught me resilience and provided valuable perspective on hard work and dedication. Being the first college graduate in my family also instilled in me a deep sense of perseverance and the motivation to embrace challenges with confidence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t be afraid to say yes. Say yes to opportunities that challenge or scare you, and lean into mentorship from more experienced clinicians who see your potential. Always remember your “why” and keep patience at the center of your decisions—it will guide you through both opportunities and challenges.
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 faith, family, patience, and a commitment to serving both my patients and my teammates.
Locations
Atrium Health
Kings Mountain, NC 28086