Barry Nelson

BARRY NELSON, MSN, RN, CENP, is Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nurse Executive of UNC Health Blue Ridge. Barry has executive oversight of the system’s nursing practice. Barry joined the UNC Blue Ridge team in December of 2017. During his time here, Barry has held nursing leadership roles including Director of Nursing for Critical Care, Telemetry, Cath Lab, Family Center and Special Care Nursery, and Executive Director of Nursing.

Barry obtained his Paramedic certification in 1998 and actively served until 2003; he remained certified until 2018. Barry has a diverse background in the field of nursing and emergency services. Barry served as a law enforcement officer from 1995 until 1998. He started his career in nursing as an Emergency Department RN in 2004 and transitioned to a flight RN for MedCenter Air in 2008. Barry received his Master of Nursing Science degree from South University, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Winston – Salem State University. Barry has obtained a credential of a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice.

Barry currently serves on his church’s security and medical mission team. Part of his medical mission team services includes an annual international mission trip to provide medical care to underserved populations.