Dr. Kelly Bouthillet, a doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), seamlessly combines her roles as a nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. With an extensive healthcare journey spanning over three decades, she holds a wealth of expertise in areas such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, hospital medicine, gerontology, and family practice. Her skills encompass clinical quality improvement, patient safety initiatives, evidence-based practice, program development, and project management. Notably, she has held the esteemed position of immediate past president of the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) and also fulfilled the role of interim executive director. Currently, she serves as chair of the American Nurses Association, Leadership Council Executive Committee and is an executive committee member of the South Carolina Coalition for Access to Health Care for which she is active in advocacy and policy making.
During her tenure as program coordinator and clinical supervisor for the adult-gerontology acute care NP program at Armstrong Atlantic University/Georgia Southern University from 2012 to 2019, Dr. Bouthillet left a profound impact. Her involvement extends as an adjunct nursing faculty member at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort.
Her collaboration with Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue underscores her commitment to enhancing care delivery. Dr. Bouthillet has actively championed initiatives involving health assessment, resuscitation, geriatric care, and community education on vital topics like hands-only CPR, AED utilization, and stop the bleed techniques. The challenges posed by the pandemic saw her assuming a dual role as NP/CNS with the Town of Hilton Head Island, offering essential medical support to Fire Rescue staff, contributing to the COVID-19 management team, facilitating care coordination across EMS, hospitals, and the community, and participating in the advancement of clinical quality initiatives.
Dr. Kelly Bouthillet is devoted to patient well-being and an unyielding commitment to advancing the field of healthcare. Her profound impact continues to resonate through her collaborative endeavors, educational contributions, and resolute efforts to elevate the standards of care.
