PhD, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC , Doctoral (Alumni)
Phyllis Raynor, PhD, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a Doctoral prepared registered nurse who earned her PhD in Nursing in 2016 from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Dr. Raynor’s dissertation research focused on the development of self-care interventions for parents recovering from SUD with an ultimate goal of improving their long-term recovery outcomes and the health outcomes of their children. Dr. Raynor has a strong desire to become a public health nurse scientist focusing on research, prevention, public advocacy, and health promotion initiatives for low-income minority families affected by substance use disorders (SUD). Dr. Raynor also completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program in 2015 from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Raynor is currently the Interim Program Director of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of South Carolina.
As a former state level nurse consultant partnering with school nurses in all school districts of South Carolina, she was part of a school nurse leadership team, addressing alcohol and drug misuse in schools from a state school nurse policy perspective. As a former state practice consultant with the South Carolina Board of Nursing, she witnessed the devastating effects of addiction for nurses involved in substance misuse situations. One of the top violations against the Nurse Practice Act was those involving narcotics misuse (i.e., diversion, positive screenings, fraudulent prescriptions, etc.).
In addition to these professional roles, Phyllis has volunteered as a recovery support advocate, nurse educator, and health consultant for over 13 years in a faith-based community support program collaborating with various community and faith leaders to assist recovering adults (many of whom are parents) affected by SUD. She is a current member of the Board of Advisors for three residential faith-based recovery support community centers for adult men and women recovering from SUD in her area. Ultimately, improvements in the health of these families come from long-term recovery.