Shawna Mitchell-Johnson

Shawna Mitchell-Johnson, PhD(c), BSN-RN, MSN-Ed., MBA-HCM, FCN, IVSE-C
Ms. Mitchell-Johnson serves as the Interim Chair and an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Holy Cross, where she has dedicated the past seven years to educating and mentoring sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students.

From both clinical and leadership perspectives, Ms. Mitchell-Johnson brings more than 37 years of comprehensive nursing experience. Her leadership background includes serving as a Director of Nursing in Home Health and in Hospital Case Management, where she oversaw patient care coordination, quality initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her extensive bedside experience spans multiple specialties, including Behavioral Health, Neuro and Cardiac Critical Care, Telemetry, Endoscopy, Medical‑Surgical Nursing, Hospice, and Travel Nursing. This breadth of clinical practice enriches her teaching, allowing her to bridge academic preparation with real‑world nursing expectations.

Ms. Mitchell-Johnson is deeply engaged in professional nursing organizations. She maintains active membership in the Academy of Forensic Nursing, the Louisiana State Nurses Association, the New Orleans and National Black Nurses Association, the American Association of Critical Care Nursing, the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses, the Academy of Forensic Nurses, and the National Society of Leadership and Success, reflecting her commitment to professional advocacy, diversity, and advancing the nursing profession.

Her scholarly engagement includes a seven‑year tenure as a board member and her current role as President of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Xi Psi Chapter‑at‑Large). In this capacity, she actively promotes student scholarship by facilitating opportunities for nursing students to engage in research, develop scholarly projects, and present their work annually. Her leadership within Sigma strengthens the chapter’s academic mission and fosters a culture of excellence and inquiry among emerging nurse leaders. She has published scholarly work and relishes presenting at local, national, and international conferences.

In the community, Ms. Mitchell-Johnson serves as the ministry leader for the Deaconess and Wellness Ministries at her church, reflecting her commitment to holistic health and service. She is certified as a Faith Community Nurse and as an Interpersonal Violence Strangulation Evaluation Nurse, extending her expertise into specialized and trauma‑informed care. Additionally, she provides essential community training as an instructor in Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) and the Stop the Bleed Program (American College of Surgeons), equipping individuals with lifesaving skills and strengthening community preparedness.