MEPN Simulation Lab Coordinator, Clinical Associate Professor
- University of San Diego - PhD
- San Diego State University - MSN/CNS
- San Jose State University - BSN
Dr. Deanna Johnston received her BSN from San Jose State University in San Jose, Ca; her MSN/CNS from San Diego State University in San Diego, Ca; her PhD from the University of San Diego in San Diego, Ca.
Dr. Johnston has over 15 years of Progressive Care/Intensive Care experience. She found a passion for Critical Care, specifically Progressive Care including cardiac, respiratory, palliative care and chronic illness. She worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Progressive Care for over 8 years at Sharp Healthcare with a focus in the Adult/Gerontology population and an emphasis in chronic illnesses. Palliative care has been an area in which she has found much gratification by providing care for patients and educating both patients and healthcare workers on the benefits of palliative care. She has worked full time in simulation since 2019 and received her certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator in 2021.
Dr. Johnston’s PhD dissertation study was entitled “Examining the relationships between ethnicity, palliative care and readmissions in the heart failure population”. The study took place at a local hospital leading to the inclusion of a diverse population.
Dr. Johnston is a member of Sigma theta Tau International, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association nationally and locally, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, California Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists and Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
She is committed to advancing learning opportunities for pre-licensure and post-licensure students. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, which includes incorporating technology and innovations into the classroom. She is proud to have the opportunity to influence the education of undergraduate nurses that leads to improving nursing care and patient outcomes. She enjoys reading, being anywhere close to the ocean and being active with family and friends.