For the past year, Emma Nichols, R.N., has served patients and families in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Primary Care Clinic. As a registered nurse with seven years of nursing experience, Nichols provides compassionate care to children while helping families feel informed and supported throughout their visits.
Nichols says it is the people she works with and the patients she serves that have made her time at UAB especially rewarding.
“I enjoy my job, the population I work with and the incredible team I work with,” said Nichols.
Each day in the Primary Care Clinic is different, giving Nichols the opportunity to care for patients while supporting both families and future physicians. She administers routine childhood vaccinations, answers parents’ questions and helps families better understand their child’s health, treatments and medical needs. She also works closely with pediatric residents by providing clinical guidance, answering questions and helping them develop their clinical skills as they care for patients. In addition, Nichols serves as the Nurse Lead for the clinic’s Asthma Team, helping improve the quality of care for children diagnosed with asthma.
“I love that every day is a new and different day at PCC,” Nichols said. “There is always something happening or a new project to tackle to provide the best care for our kids.”
Outside of work, Nichols enjoys spending time outdoors gardening and hiking. One of her proudest personal accomplishments was hiking to the summit of Mt. Le Conte, where she had the opportunity to stay at Le Conte Lodge during its 100th anniversary celebration, an experience only accessible by hiking to the mountaintop.
When she’s looking for a favorite local restaurant, Nichols recommends Nori Thai and Sushi.
Through her dedication to patient care, commitment to education and passion for improving children’s health, Nichols continues to make a meaningful impact on the patients, families and learners she serves each day in the Department of Pediatrics.