Erica Joyce Wilson, DNP, CPNP, is rejoining Northern Pediatrics. She most recently practiced at LifeBrite Pediatrics in Danbury, but before that, she was a part of the Northern Pediatrics team for four years. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner holds a master’s degree and doctorate in nursing practice.
After graduating from the School of Nursing at Forsyth Tech in 2001, Wilson joined the healthcare team within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Health. After earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Carolina University, she continued working at the Children’s Hospital while expanding her clinical experience at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital and Novant Health. Wilson graduated from the intensive three-year dual-degree Master’s/Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her Child and Adolescent Post-Doctorate, KYSS Mental Health Fellowship.
Erica says that she has always wanted to treat children – from when she first entered nursing school all through her prior professional experience in a children’s hospital and now Northern Pediatrics. She sometimes wonders if her affinity for caring for children is subconsciously embedded in her experience as a premature infant who required heart surgery. “I was what is called a ’32-weeker,’ she says of her earliest days, “and I only know that, for my entire life, I am drawn to becoming a pediatric provider — someone who will serve as a strong advocate for children’s health.”
Her dedicated concern, commitment, and advocacy for children’s healthcare was firmly established and strengthened during her 18 years spent in the pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest – where her clinical expertise and effective leadership style led to her rapid and eventual promotion to Charge Nurse. “We worked as a strong team in that ICU,” recalls Wilson.
Wilson can recognize changes in their physical and emotional growth as her patients grow and offer appropriate guidance and advice as needed. “As their primary provider, I can be an additional positive influence in my patients’ lives by giving them sound advice on various health topics – like making healthy diet choices and consistently using seat belts,” she explains. “I look forward to being able to follow my patients’ progress as they grow and develop into strong young adults with promising futures.”
Erica’s hands-on coaching and counseling extends to parents, as well. “Education is a huge component of all patient visits – and that education extends to my patients and their parents,” she says. “I believe in partnering with parents and children to achieve the best clinical outcomes. For both audiences, I want them to know what to expect, and I offer advice and practical tips on how to help manage conditions at home.”
A mother of two daughters, Wilson’s future aspirations include “being a part of the growth of children in our community” by joining local educators to develop programs encouraging young people to read and learn, while practicing healthy behaviors. “As a mother, I know it takes everyone working together to raise our children well, and I want to be an active part of community-wide efforts to help ensure the health and well-being of all our children,” she says.
“I am excited to return to the Northern Regional family and partner with Drs. Daniels, Minor, Saliba, Youell, and Tallman as part of the care team of Northern Pediatrics,” said Wilson.
To schedule an appointment for your child with Erica Wilson, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, call 336-789-6267. Erica sees patients from infants to age 18, and the practice accepts most insurance, including NC and VA Medicaid. Northern Pediatrics is located at 100 North Pointe Boulevard in Mount Airy.
