Fran Charlton

Fran Charlton, MBA, MHA, RN, NE-BC, DNP Candidate ’20, began her career in nursing in 1990, and has been in formal nursing leadership roles since 1996. For the majority of her clinical career, she was in cardiac surgery, which was her passion at the time. Growing up she always wanted to become a nurse, so she could make a difference in her community by helping others. Before nursing school she volunteered with a local fire department, which kindled her passion for helping others. Fran says, "As I reflect on my path to becoming a nurse, I can’t help but think about the eight-year-old little girl reading my parent’s World Book Encyclopedia books, especially the ones that focused on science and anatomy and physiology." As her nursing career progressed, she decided to continue her service to others by advancing her leadership skills and taking on leadership roles. 

Her leadership career has been diverse including roles as an Assistant Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager, Senior Director, CNO, and most recently Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations for the Heart and Vascular Service Line, Patient Flow Operations Center, Adult Emergency Department, and the Day Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Health.


Why did you choose to get your DNP at Wake Forest?

Fran states that, "as leaders, we have a responsibility to not just keep moving forward but to lend a hand to others to help them grow professionally and achieve the next level in their careers. That’s why I chose the Wake Forest DNP program. I want to help prepare nurses at Wake Forest Baptist Health to face the many challenges in healthcare, and to help advance the nursing profession in general. I am also excited about being a part of Wake Forest School of Medicine, which is nationally recognized as a leader in education. Health care delivery continues to get more complex each day and we need to ensure nurses are able to advocate for the patients as well as the entire nursing profession."

"I want to help prepare nurses at Wake Forest Baptist Health to face the many challenges in healthcare, and to help advance the nursing profession in general. I am also excited about being a part of Wake Forest School of Medicine, which is nationally recognized as a leader in education." -Fran Charlton, MBA, MHA, RN, NE-BC, DNP Class of 2020

Fran Charlton DNP Student Spotlight at Wake Forest School of Medicine

Outside of Wake Forest

Her husband, Eric, is a tremendous support to her.