pnellie@nmsu.edu
575-646-3264
HSS 107

Dr.Thurston began her nursing career as a medic active-duty in the United States Army in 1997. Prior to exiting the military, Dr.Thurston became trauma certified and experiencing a different world of field medicine. After a honorable discharge, Dr.Thurston obtained her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at New Mexico State University. Upon completion of her BSN, Dr. Thurston began working as a registered nurse on a Cardiac unit at Mountain View Regional Medical Center and critical care for 13 years.
During her time in critical care, Dr.Thurston precepted nursing students and fell in love with teaching nursing students. This motivated her to obtain her MSN in nursing education. In 2020, Dr.Thurston began teaching part-time as a clinical instructor at the School of Nursing at New Mexico State University. In 2022, Dr.Thurston accomplished her lifelong dream of becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Although her journey came with sacrifice, Dr.Thurston is grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to share her passion of teaching and of nursing.