MCC Professor and Alumna Awarded for Public Health Nursing

“The role of education is all of what nursing stands for,” said Gail Johnson, a Public Health Nurse at the Westford Health Department and an instructor of Nursing at Middlesex Community College. “Middlesex helps me start with new minds and new passions for nursing. We need nurses to take care of people. We can’t lose sight of the importance of nursing, leadership, teaching health and supporting one another in this very difficult time.”

Johnson received the Presidential award from the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses (MAPHN). For Johnson, nursing is all about education. At Middlesex – where she graduated in 1992 from the Nursing program – she now has the opportunity as an adjunct professor to share her knowledge with those aspiring to enter the critical field.

Coming back to teach in the program from which she graduated brings everything full circle for Johnson. Although she always dreamed of becoming a nurse, when she first graduated from high school in 1984, she felt intimidated by all that nursing entailed and went into MCC’s Medical Assisting program instead. Five years later, Johnson returned to Middlesex to pursue nursing.

In the beginning, she chose Middlesex because it was affordable and close to her Westford home. She came back because she felt comfortable at the college and knew it would bridge the gap from medical assisting to nursing. As a professor, the biggest difference for Johnson between her time as a student and now has been a boost in confidence.

“I love teaching,” she said. “When you’re a nursing student, it can feel overwhelming and nerve-wracking. When I’m with my students, I tell them, ‘I have been right where you all have been. I’ve been through the same program, I’ve done the same thing you’re doing.’ With that confidence and all these years of experience, I have something to share.”

Johnson worked as a registered nurse at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn for 22 years. She continued with her education to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2014. For the past seven years, she has been working at the Westford Health Department. Johnson became an adjunct professor at MCC in 2017 where she works with students in the simulation lab.

During the pandemic, Johnson worked seven days a week in her role at Westford Health Department in addition to her time at MCC with students in the simulation lab. She believes the value of MCC’s program is that it offers hands-on experiences similar to what they would be doing in the hospital. In the lab, she loves answering student questions and teaching them through working on mannequins or practicing with each other.

As someone who enjoys staying busy and helping others, Johnson is the Vice President of MAPHN and the President of the local Northeast chapter. She is also a fellow of Boston University’s Local Public Health Institute. For residents of Westford, Johnson is Chair of the Westford Coalition for Non-violence to fight against domestic violence. All of these roles allow her to be a leader, to educate the public, and to “have a voice for public health,” which she loves.

After working at the bedside of her patients for over 20 years, she is happy to now educate her community about the importance of health in all different aspects. Johnson’s interest in leadership began at Middlesex as a student. While earning both of her associate degrees, she was secretary of the clubs for the programs. Now as a professor, she can continue to build relationships with students and educate them to continue on their paths to success.

“I’m hoping other nurses can follow in those leadership roles and I’m advocating for all nurses,” she said. “I’m excited for starting school back up in September with my students, getting that energy back in the classroom, and getting them all excited about being a nurse too.”

For the Fall 2021 semester, MCC’s Nursing program will offer face-to-face classes and clinical experiences. Part of MCC’s Health pathway, the Nursing program helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/nursing/ for more information and to discover your path to a degree in Health at Middlesex.

Featuring flexible course formats and a variety of student support services and resources, MCC is registering now for the Fall 2021 semester. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!