During office hours, Shelby Edwards can be found at Choctaw Medical Clinic in her hometown of Ackerman, where she serves as director of nursing. She was excited to gain the leadership position last year in the clinic where she began her career.
“Growing up, I wanted to be in the medical field and decided specifically on nursing when applying to East Mississippi Community College,” Edwards explained. “It just seemed to be my calling, and I’m very happy with my choice.”
Edwards knew the career would require much hard work, dedication, and passion; in return, it has ultimately helped provide a good quality of life for her and her young daughter, Hadleigh Long.
Almost nine years ago, as she was completing her LPN prerequisites, Edwards gave birth to her daughter just before she was accepted into the nursing program.
“Being a mom to a very young child did make it harder to study. I can remember little Hadleigh sitting next to me enthusiastically coloring as I studied for my LPN license,” Edwards said. “She definitely kept me grounded about what I was trying to accomplish, and I’m fortunate I succeeded for both of us.”
With her daughter’s future in mind, Edwards had accepted the encouragement and financial assistance of her parents and had earned an associate’s degree and her LPN license from EMCC in 2014. She proudly garnered the program’s highest honor, the coveted Florence Nightingale Award, given to the graduate who most embodies the spirit of nursing.
Shortly after graduation, Edwards first joined Choctaw Medical Clinic as a nurse for Sylvia Crutchfield, CNP, one of the clinic’s four nurse practitioners. Edwards was able to secure the clinic’s director of nursing position after proudly paying her own way through EMCC, graduating as outstanding RN student, and obtaining licensure in 2020.
A lifelong resident of Choctaw County, Edwards wanted to work and raise her daughter where she grew up.
“People have a strong sense of community here, and it is important to be surrounded by an extended support system of loving family members and friends from all sides,” she said.
At the Choctaw Medical Clinic, Edwards supervises six nurses and three certified nursing assistants or CNAs. From scheduling and guiding nursing personnel to maintaining supplies and inventory, Edwards’ days are busy and rewarding.
“Although I am on the younger side, I feel you can be an effective leader at any age. I rely on the respect I earn from the entire team and take a lot of suggestions. We all have mutual respect and work toward an environment that brings the best care to all our patients,” she said.
Edwards also has opportunities to connect one-on-one with patients as she handles the main desk when other personnel are occupied elsewhere. She plans to continue nursing and pursue additional administrative work in the years ahead.
“I think I was meant to be here at the clinic, which is a much-needed part of Choctaw County,” Edward said. “And I’m excited to work every day and lead a great staff of nursing personnel who share my passion for helping our patients.”
Edwards promotes the vocation of nursing whenever she can, including to her daughter, who will be a third-grade student at Ackerman Elementary School this fall.
“I definitely encourage Hadleigh by patiently answering her questions and showing her how equipment works because she tells me she wants to be a nurse, too,” she said. “And I will happily provide an education for her one day.”
The more she works in the capacity of director of nursing at Choctaw Medical Clinic, Edwards believes, the more she will grow as a leader.
“Leadership is about helping other people help themselves and help others. It is a characteristic that evolves over time,” Edwards said. “It’s not about age, but rather about how you handle the opportunity and the responsibility of leadership when it comes.”
