Continuing Education: An ACLS Academy Founder is an Inspirational Role Model

“When Shelley dreams, she dreams big. When she has a vision, she doesn’t stop until she makes it happen. For the past three years, our three sons and I have watched Shelley grow and develop as a student, mentor, and educator. Every night has been a late night, and every semester was a grind. She balanced school, work, family, and friends. Her drive was relentless, and her pursuit of excellence was inspiring.” – Chad Lynch, Shelley’s husband and business partner.

This past November, ACLS Co-Founder, Shelley Lynch, earned the title “Dr.” as she officially became Dr. Shelley Lynch.  Dr. Lynch graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as The Diane Kjervik, JD, RN Scholar, earning her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.  UNC–Chapel Hill’s renowned Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for the highest level of professional nursing practice. With the committed mentorship of dedicated faculty, DNP graduates are equipped to transform patient care in complex healthcare settings.  Evidence-based practice, organization and systems leadership, finance, health policy, information technology, population health, patient safety, and translational research to improve health outcomes are all emphasized in this rigorous — and rewarding — course of study.

We asked Dr. Lynch some questions about her educational journey and attaining the crowning achievement as a DNP:

 1.     What is your Doctorate, and how long did the program take?

I have been in school for 25 years and since Kindergarten!

Four years for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Three years for a Master of Science in Nursing Education

Two years for a Post-Master's Certificate in Graduate Studies as a Nurse Practitioner

Three years to complete my Doctor of Nursing Practice

 2.     What motivated you to make this commitment to furthering your education?

I have a strong desire to advance clinical practice and the application of research in the clinical area. I wanted to prepare for the advancement of clinical practice, leadership positions, management of health care delivery, and provide a strong influence on health policy. I wanted to obtain the skills needed to meet the many challenges of the modern healthcare system.

 3.     Why UNC-Chapel Hill?

UNC-Chapel is a world-class program and 6th in the country for a DNP. I originally wanted to study under and learn from Dr. Jones- Cheryl B. Jones, RN, Ph.D., FAAN. She is a professor and director of the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation and a Research Fellow at the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). I found a faculty of world-class professors that motivated me to push harder and problem-solve. I’m proud to share that the chair of my research, Dr. Ashley Kellish, along with my committee members, Dr. Nancy Street and Dr. Leslie Sharpe, plan to publish my dissertation this year.  

 4.    What was your favorite class in your Doctorate Program?

I am a perfectionist when it comes to school. All of them except applied statistics! I wish I could retake a few of them to learn without the pressure of wanting an A.

One of my favorite experiences was not a class but working as a research assistant with Dr. Jones on a Pandemic Workforce Study conducted during the pandemic outbreak. We presented the research findings to the General Assembly in North Carolina. It was a life-changing moment in my academic career. 

 5.     What did you find to be the most challenging class or topic in your Doctorate Program?

Economics and Financing of Health Care Systems was my most challenging class, which is interesting because I have built companies, but learning the theories of economics was intense during my final semester. It made me even more grateful to have my co-owner and husband, with his MBA in management, to help run the companies!

 6.     Explain in layperson's terms your dissertation/capstone topic of Social Determinants of Health and what you learned.

Health is impacted by where we live, where we play, and where we work. If healthcare providers strive to improve health, we must focus on the social determinants of health (SDOH). To improve the social determinants of health, we need to start with screening for them during office or hospital visits and provide a link from patients to community services to help improve the social determinants.

 7.     What was your favorite guilty pleasure during your Doctorate journey?

Popcorn and hot sauce during writing sessions.

 8.     What are your thoughts about being the Diane Kjervik, JD, RN Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill?

I am honored and humbled—all of us nurses have some big shoes to fill with Dr. Kjervik's passing. 

9.     What was the hardest challenge of balancing school, work, family, and friends?

My husband is my rock. I don't know how he managed it all since there were times when I was disconnected entirely. When COVID hit, and I was working a 60+ hour night shift in the critical care unit, he held us all together. We are a true partnership, and success is rarely accomplished alone. I owe my success to the support of my excellent partner in life and to running this company. 

10.  Your advice to others considering a Doctorate.

 There is never a good time. A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. 

11.  What's next for you in utilizing your new Doctorate?  And are there any additional academic degrees in your future?

I have promised my friends and family that this is it. No post-doctoral studies for me in the near future. It's time to continue to lead and encourage others to lead. 

12.  Any final thoughts?

 Wahooo!!!!

(we couldn’t agree more, Shelley!)

Congratulations, Dr. Shelley Lynch. ACLS Academy is very proud of your achievement and your vision and commitment to educating others in the practice of AHA lifesaving skills. The global healthcare community has a brighter future with your vision, stewardship, and compassion.