Lidia Gladney, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is on a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and caring for others. Her commitment to these areas is a large part of how she has built her career in the nursing field. “Nursing has always been a passion of mine,” she says. “Being the oldest out of all my siblings and cousins, I was always the caretaker, so it was just natural for me.” Today, Lidia is a Clinical Director at Sharlynn Cares Psychiatry where she sees in-person and telemedicine patients across Florida. Her services include personalized assessments, medication management, and compassionate care for a range of mental health issues.
Lidia entered the nursing field as a registered nurse in 2013. In that role, she gained clinical experience in hospital settings from neurology to orthopedic to maternity/neonatal care. After a handful of years as an RN, she was ready for more. In 2018, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University, Tampa.1 As a nurse practitioner, she provides quality care to patients of all ages.
“The thing that I love about South is that all the professors are very supportive very responsive. I have nothing but great things to say about the nursing faculty,” she shares. “They try their best to bring out the best in their students.”
In 2020, Lidia decided to pursue a second specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner and went back to school at the University of Miami. But she didn’t stop there. After earning that certification, Lidia returned to South University, Tampa to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. She completed her DNP degree in 2023, an accomplishment of which she is very proud.
“Growing up, [my stepfather] and my mother instilled those beliefs that with dedication, with hard work, anything is possible,” she says. “I am the first-generation college graduate so it means a lot to myself and my family. I want to inspire others to never give up on your dreams.”
South University congratulates Lidia on all she’s accomplished so far and looks forward to seeing how she continues to impact and serve her community!
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1Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salaries.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared by Lidia Gladney in 2023.
