Chris Nuckols

Graduating senior, Bachelor of Science in nursing
Bel Air, Maryland

After an all-night shift at LewisGale Salem, Chris Nuckols has little time for relaxation. Everyday Nuckols balances the nursing program at Radford University, raising his two young sons, Nathan and Ronan, being a husband to his wife, Elizabeth Nuckols ‘09, and working at LewisGale Salem as a Nurse Extern II in the emergency department.

How does Nuckols handle all of these competing responsibilities?

“If it wasn’t for the support of my family, my wife, my colleagues, and my professors at Radford University there would be absolutely no way I would have had the opportunity to continue my education and become the nurse I am today,” said Nuckols.

Nuckols is graduating this week with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. His journey at Radford University began in 2011 where his studies led him to a bachelor’s degree in pre-health biology in 2013.

“After being out of school for about a year I decided to take my career to the next step and become a nurse. There was no question what program to attend as I had grown to love Radford University; it was my number one choice,” explained Nuckols. “The student to faculty ratio allows me to create amazing relationships with my professors.”

Nuckols’ experiences in Radford University’s nursing program have shaped his passion for emergency department nursing.

“My most memorable experience at Radford was the emergency disaster training presented by the School of Nursing at Selu. It was a two-day exercise that allowed us to be involved in real life disaster simulations,” said Nuckols.

After graduation, Nuckols will continue his path in nursing with a position at the emergency department of LewisGale Salem.

Never one to slow down, Nuckols is already looking ahead to his future, and one day hopes to obtain his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Radford University and become a nurse practitioner in the community.