Laura Johnson, MSN, APRN, pursued a nursing career to make a difference for patients during some of the most challenging times in their lives.  

She wanted to use her skills and experience to make a difference, and the new RUSH Cancer Center will revolutionize her ability to provide care — both as an oncology nurse and as a doctoral nursing student.  

“RUSH nursing means excellence, and that really is truly what I feel and what I live by,” Johnson says. “I know from all of the patients that I see in my career. RUSH nurses make a difference in the lives of our patients.” 

Johnson worked on the oncology team as a student in the RUSH University College of Nursing’s Generalist Entry Master’s program, and after graduation, she knew that was where she wanted to be.  

After 11 years, Johnson returned to the college, where she’s pursuing her doctor of nursing practice in the top-ranked Transformative Leadership Systems program.  

“RUSH nursing means excellence, and that really is truly what I feel and what I live by.”

Her DNP project involves following the oncology department’s transition to the new RUSH Cancer Center, examining recruitment, mentorship and retention of oncology nurses. 

"My hope is that through my work as a clinical nurse specialist and my DNP project is really to excite these new nurses, especially about the field of nursing and in particular oncology,” Johnson says. 

But Johnson’s primary motivation remains caring for patients. She heralds the improvement in patient care that the new RUSH Cancer Center will bring, including laboratory, radiology and infusion services, a pharmacy, and physician offices all under one roof. 

“I love the ability to impact patients’ lives, to make that connection with them and their families, to help them through some of the most challenging times in their life.”