Mairi McCartney
Assistant Director of Nursing
APEC & Scheduling
Mairi was nominated by Lavonia Walker.
Mairi joined UAMS more than 36 years ago as a staff nurse in the main OR, where she specialized as an evening vascular nurse. After serving as vascular charge nurse, she was named Assistant Director of Nursing for the Main OR. In this role she was responsible for operational oversight, staff development, and the implementation of policy-driven practices that improved efficiency while maintaining an uncompromising focus on patient safety. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Nursing for APEC and Scheduling, where she oversees scheduling operations for the OR, Endoscopy, and Interventional Radiology. Her work has been pivotal in coordinating procedures across multiple specialties, improving patient access, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
Throughout her career, Mairi has pioneered improvements in perioperative workflow models and scheduling processes that have enhanced patient safety, reduced delays, and improved the overall patient experience. Her meticulous attention to detail, policy-driven decision-making, and systems-level thinking have consistently ensured that patient welfare and organizational integrity remain at the forefront of all initiatives.
A role model for nurses across the institution, she is widely respected for her professionalism, integrity, and calm, solutions-oriented leadership style. Her ability to guide teams through operational challenges while maintaining morale and focusing on quality care exemplifies the very best of nursing leadership.
Mairi’s influence extends beyond her immediate department. For more than three decades, she has been an active member of the Arkansas chapter of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. Her involvement includes regular participation in professional meetings and leadership in fundraising initiatives. Notably, she has contributed to efforts benefiting residents of Harrison House, a local hospitality home that serves renal patients awaiting kidney transplants, preparing for home dialysis, or recovering from major surgery.
Mairi’s career reflects the spirit of transformational leadership, professional excellence, and service that the Mary Helen Forrest Legacy Nursing Award was created to honor.