Audrey Vaughn
When Audrey Vaughn first began her nursing career in Mississippi, she never imagined it would one day lead her to precepting the next generation of advanced practice providers (APPs) in Ohio. But as she reflects on her path, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner and now mentor, she says it all comes down to a love of pediatrics and the people who supported her along the way.
Finding her calling in pediatrics
Audrey’s career began in the fast-paced environment of the emergency room, but it was her move to a pediatric outpatient clinic for chronically ill children that changed everything. “That’s where I found my true calling,” she said. “I realized how much I loved working with kids and their families.”
Audrey found her true calling in pediatrics and said she loves working with kids and their families.
When Audrey and her family relocated to Ohio in 2013, she already knew of Akron Children’s strong reputation in pediatric care. “I had heard from Akron Children’s providers at a conference and knew great things were coming out of the hospital,” she said. “I wanted to be part of a pediatric hospital environment.”
Encouragement from her co-workers and physicians sparked her interest in advancing her education, but timing and logistics initially got in the way. “Before online programs became common, the nearest pediatric nurse practitioner program was several hours away,” she explained. “It just wasn’t feasible at the time.”
Staff in the Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Warren office dressed up for Spirit Week.
Discovering support at Akron Children’s
That changed after joining Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Warren where Audrey found the motivation, and flexibility, to finally pursue her goal. “The providers and my co-workers encouraged me to go back to school,” she said. “I attended the ‘So You Want to Be an APP?’ presentation while exploring programs, and again while I was in school, just to make sure I was on the right track.”
Going back to school while working full time and parenting wasn’t easy. “Not only was I working full time, but I was also a full-time mom and in the process of fostering to adopt our son,” she said. “It required a lot of time management and teamwork – both at home and at work. I did a lot of schoolwork late at night and on weekends. I couldn’t have done it without my family and my team at the Warren office.”
In June 2023, Audrey traveled to Belize with Caring Partners International for a medical mission trip.
Learning through experience
Her student rotations at Akron Children’s helped prepare her for life as a provider. Audrey trained in 2 primary care locations and with Sports Medicine, gaining experience with 4 different preceptors. “It gave me a realistic view of what a full day as a provider looks like,” she said. “I had the unique perspective of going from a primary care office nurse to a primary care provider, and that difference was more than I expected. My rotations helped me confirm that primary care was the right fit.”
After completing her program, Audrey didn’t hesitate to return to Akron Children’s as an APP. “The team environment and access to excellence in pediatric care made me want to stay,” she said. “As a new provider, I knew I would have the support I needed to grow and develop. It’s also close to home and allows me to serve my community.”
In May 2025, Audrey helped build a Habitat for Humanity house with a few of her co-workers. (Upper right) In June 2022, she and her husband formalized the adoption of their son. (Lower right) Vacation with extended family.
Paying it forward as a preceptor
Now, as an experienced APP, Audrey is paying that support forward as a preceptor. “I precepted as a RN and always enjoyed sharing my passion for nursing with students,” she said. “Being precepted at Akron Children’s set the standard for me, and now I get to do the same for others. It’s also a great way to keep learning myself.”
For Audrey, mentoring students in the same environment where she once trained feels both meaningful and humbling. “I feel blessed to share what I do both on the good days and the hard days,” she said. “I had such a great experience as a student that I want to help others have the same.”
Words of advice
Her advice to students is simple but powerful: “It’s OK to ask for help when you’re not sure. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know but follow it with, ‘I’ll find out.’”
Looking back, Audrey says coming full circle from RN to APP to preceptor feels “pretty surreal.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the endless support of my family, co-workers and leadership,” she said. “I’ve always loved sharing what I love about nursing, and now I get to do the same thing as an APP.”
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