Debra A. Hrelic

Debra Hrelic is a doctorally prepared RN with over 44 years of clinical experience, and greater than 21 years of experience teaching in Higher Education. She received her BSN in 1980 from William Paterson University in Wayne New Jersey and began her Nursing career in a level 3 perinatal center employed in Labor and Delivery. There she became an active participant of the perinatal transport team, which inspired her to pursue further education in the field of high-risk obstetrics. In 1986, Dr.Hrelic earned her MSN in Perinatal Nursing, as the first graduate from Rutgers University in Newark New Jersey with this major. In 2003, Dr.Hrelic successfully completed her PhD in Nursing at the University of Connecticut, in Storrs CT. As Dr.Hrelic’s career path naturally transitioned to the educational realm, she maintained a presence at the bedside through work and clinical experiences with students. At UNCW since 2017, Dr. Hrelic continues her journey in Nursing Education by serving the profession through nursing leadership, research, student and faculty success.

Education

PhD Nursing. University of Connecticut, Storrs CT December 2003
MSN Nursing. Rutgers University, Newark NJ December 1986
BSN Nursing. William Paterson University, Wayne NJ May 1980

Specialization in Teaching

Nursing leadership; professional nursing; transcultural nursing; research methods; obstetrics; high risk obstetrics.

Research Interests

Nursing education; student success; faculty success; nursing burnout; stress and success stress relief methods; anxiety in the classroom; therapy animals; nursing research - qualitative, mixed methods; phenomenology; Obstetrics and high risk OB .

Professional Service

• National RN-Baccalaureate Faculty Forum (NRFF)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• National League for Nurses (NLN)
• North Carolina League for Nurses (now part of NLN)
• Sigma Theta Tau Internation (National Honor Society of Nursing)
• AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics & Neonatal - member
• UNCW School of Nursing Committees and Service

Community Engagement

• NRFF AACN Essentials Committee 4/2021 - 12/2022
- This national Committee authored a White Paper "Position Statement” regarding the AACN's Competency-based Essentials and interpretation / application for RN-BSN nursing and nursing programs.
- Nationally recognized, and published on AACN’s website. (12/2022)

• NRFF Essentials Committee 4/2024 - 8/2025
- This national Comittee authored a 2nd White Paper " Position Statement addressing AACN's new Competency-based Essentials for RN-BSN nursing and nursing programs.
- Nationally recognized, and will replace the previous Position Statement on AACN's website.

• Journal Reviewer: American Nurse Journal (ANA), Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education, Nursing Outlook, Journal of Professional Nursing.

Honors & Awards

• Letters of Recognition: from Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Graduating senior nursing students recognized me for having made an impact on them while attending UNCW and in their lives. 4/2025; 12/2024; 4/2024; 12/2023
• NRFF President’s Special Recognition Award. NRFF (National RN-BS Faculty Forum). Given for participation in writing the NRFF Position Paper on AACN’s New Essentials. (now published on AACN’s website). 1/23/23
• Nursing Excellence Award. NCNA – North Carolina Nurses Association. 5/10/22
• Nominated: Innovation & Excellence in Nursing RN-BS Education Award. NRFF. 5/21
• Nominated: Daisy Award for Extraordinary Faculty, UNCW School of Nursing. 5/21
• Most Journal Article Publications in CHHS 2018-2019. UNCW (9 peer reviewed articles). 2/20
• 2019 Nurse of the Day. NCNA - North Carolina Nurses Association. 3/19