How an ASU nursing alum overcame obstacles to open successful private practice

Determined and resilient are just two of the adjectives that accurately describe Edna Aurelus. The Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation alumna had to be in order to achieve her advanced degree and later a graduate certificate.

In 2014, while preparing to graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (advanced), one of the biggest challenges of her life arose. Aurelus’ husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was an incredibly difficult and stressful time.

The program faculty rallied around her, particularly Edson College Clinical Associate Professor Heather Ross, who Aurelus calls “instrumental” in her success at ASU. In fact, she attributes where she is today in her career to Ross’ support and advocacy. 

Aurelus shared that on several occasions she would be at the hospital with her husband while simultaneously working on her dissertation. To take some of the load off, Ross offered to babysit her two kids for a few hours each week.

“Dr. Ross is a phenomenal professor,” Aurelus said. “She wanted me to succeed.”

Her experience with Edson College didn’t end there, though. A couple of years later, Aurelus decided to pursue the Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate, which meant a long commute. 

After graduating in 2014, Aurelus and her family moved to New York, so not only was she managing family and work life as well as her courses, but she had to fly back to Arizona, sometimes on a weekly basis, for in-person immersions and clinical hours. 

“It was extremely challenging,” Aurelus said. “At times my flight would be canceled and I had to spend extra money in order for me not to miss my clinical hours and my scheduled face-to-face classes.”

Despite that, she excelled in the program and earned the certificate in 2018. 

Each of the hardships she encountered in pursuit of earning both the advanced degree and graduate certificate only made her more resilient. As she reflected on that time, Aurelus said not only is she proud of never giving up, but she’s grateful for everything that she learned along the way.

Today, Aurelus is the president and CEO of EVS Health Services LLC, which she opened in 2012. The services she provides have been life-changing for clients, according to the feedback they’ve provided both privately and publicly over the years.

Her impact goes beyond patients; Aurelus is also sharing her expertise with future health care providers as an instructor at Wagner College in New York.

“Not only do I care deeply for my clients in my private practice, but I also enjoy sharing my knowledge with my students both didactically and in the clinical settings, as I know that they are our future caregivers and champions in the health care industry,” Aurelus said.

Here, Aurelus describes how Edson College prepared her for success and shares some advice on navigating difficult times.

Question: How did your degree program help you in achieving and maintaining the position you have now?

Answer: My degree from ASU truly prepared me to be the excellent psychiatric mental health provider that I am today. At ASU, I learned to prioritize the care of my clients by providing quality care and exhibiting passion and empathy. My clients benefit from the excellent services that my clinic provides, and it is all from applying the knowledge acquired from ASU and putting them to practice.

Q: What is a favorite memory from your time in your program?

A: One of my favorite memories is the support received from Dr. Ross during the time my husband was extremely sick. She was willing to help me if needed. This gesture showed the humanistic approach of Dr. Ross as my professor. Her approach was holistic. Her support encouraged me to persist even during one of the most difficult times in my life.

Q: What advice would you give students who are currently enrolled in the program?

A: Students must apply themselves to face the challenges involved in their specific program. There will be times when uncertainties and doubts will arise, but they should never give up their dreams as long as they remain active with their course requirement. Time management is extremely important, as unexpected outcomes often happen in one's life. Therefore, planning ahead or being proactive is absolutely imperative. 

If you have goals, then you must set your objectives, and you can achieve your goals by remaining focused on them. I completed the certificate program summa cum laude while being a full-time professor at Wagner College, traveling every Friday for clinical rotation in Arizona, being married to my lovely supportive husband, and taking care of my two lovely daughters. My goal was to become an excellent psychiatric provider, and I did just that. You can do it too.

Q: What is one thing you learned from your degree program that has helped you out in your current position?

A: Dr. Ross knew about my personal challenges and she told me once, “Edna, your name will go far; I will hear from you again.” She gave me strength when I was weak.

Written by Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation student worker Max Baker