For Kristen Johnston, DNP, FNP-BC, nursing has always been about caring for people, whether at a patient's bedside or in the classroom. 

Johnston, a professor at Samford University's Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, began her nursing career in the Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), caring for premature babies and infants with congenital heart defects. After becoming a family nurse practitioner, she continued caring for children and families in UAB’s Continuing Care Nursery, well-baby nursery and Newborn Follow-up Clinic. 

Her interest in nursing began years earlier, influenced by her aunt, a nurse who helped open the labor and delivery unit at Cooper Green Mercy Health Services. 

“I have always been fascinated by how the body works, and I care deeply for others, so nursing seemed like a good fit for me,” Johnston said. 

That desire to care for others continues to shape how Johnston approaches both patients and students. 

“I love connecting with patients and learning their stories,” Johnston said. “It is fun to step into their circumstances and help improve their health through education, lifestyle changes, or medication.” 

Johnston earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Samford, and a doctorate from Troy University, before returning to Samford as a full-time faculty member 11 years ago. She now teaches family nurse practitioner students in women's health, pharmacology, pediatrics and clinical courses. 

“Teaching is wonderful, but the students are the real gift to me,” Johnston said. 
Because her graduate nursing students complete their education online, Johnston knows connecting with them can look different than it does in a traditional classroom. She makes a point of reaching out individually, celebrating their victories and supporting them through difficult moments. 

Faith is also central to how she teaches and the type of nurse practitioners she hopes to prepare. 

“I want all of my students to know the love of Christ and to understand how nurse practitioners can walk out their faith in their profession,” Johnston said. 

Johnston was drawn to Samford as a student because the faculty integrated faith into the curriculum while emphasizing holistic patient care. Now, as a professor, she hopes her students leave prepared to provide that same level of care. 
She wants them to care for patients with competence and compassion, thinking critically, listening well and advocating for their patients' needs. 

“I enjoy helping people feel valued and seen, reminding them that they are made in God's image,” Johnston said. 

Outside the classroom, Johnston enjoys traveling, hiking and watching movies with her family and usually has at least two books in progress. She also participates in Hand in Paw visits with Paisley, a therapy dog. 

Whether connecting with students, caring for patients or serving alongside Paisley, Johnston's approach remains rooted in something she has valued throughout her career: taking the time to care for the person in front of her.