Laura Johnson MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, BMTCN is a Clinical Nurse Manager at Rush University Medical Center. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards by Colleen Bruen for her passion for community health, commitment to eliminating healthcare disparities, and dedication to nursing education make her a true leader in the field.
Laura has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape
the future of nursing.
A Decade of Dedication to Quality Improvement and Education
With over ten years in nursing, Laura has held diverse roles including Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and now Clinical Nurse Manager. Her practice emphasizes high-quality, evidence-based care for oncology patients, aligning with guidelines from Rush University, the Joint Commission, Magnet, and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). A dedicated educator, she has developed training programs, competency checklists, and led multiple task forces on quality improvement (QI), process enhancement, and regulatory standards.
One of her recent QI projects focused on standardizing RN-led oral oncolytic patient education, documentation, and techniques to improve patient compliance and outcomes. This initiative has improved the transparency of treatment plans, increased nurse involvement in patient education, and strengthened teamwork across nursing, pharmacy, and provider disciplines.
Commitment to Oncology Nursing and Professional Development
Laura’s dedication to oncology nursing is evident in her active involvement with the ONS. She regularly attends local meetings and the annual ONS Congress, serves on ONS Congress planning committees, and recruits for her local ONS chapter, where she also serves as a Board Buddy. Her contributions extend to developing educational content as an item writer for the ONS Fundamentals of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration Course, reviewing nursing books for Doody Enterprises, and participating in Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) task forces.
A mentor and advocate for her peers, Laura is an integral member of the Rush RN3 Professional Development Committee. In this role, she advises nurses on expanding their practice and supports their promotion through the clinical ladder, sharing her knowledge and experience to empower others to reach their full potential.
Leading by Example through Service and Volunteerism
Laura is known for leading by example, especially through volunteer work and service. She actively participates in the Rush Cancer Center’s Survivors’ Day Committee, where she helps organize events to celebrate cancer survivors and their families. She was also a significant contributor to Rush University Medical Center’s COVID-19 response, working with staff to maintain safety protocols and volunteering her time at both the vaccine clinic and testing center.
Laura’s commitment to service extends beyond her current role. She has volunteered with previous employers and through the American Cancer Society, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting her community.
Laura Johnson: A Bright Future with an Impact Beyond Rush
Laura’s impact is felt not only within Rush University Medical Center but also on a broader scale, as her influence grows locally and nationally. She is nearing the completion of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning and advancing nursing practice. Her academic work has already had a positive impact on her team, and she continues to inspire colleagues to innovate and excel.
Congratulations to Laura Johnson and Rush University Medical Center for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Laura who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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