From Nursing Clinicals to Career Success
Felice Johnson ’23, a nursing and child development alumna, has transformed her passion for caring for children into a meaningful career
as a pediatric surgical trauma nurse at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the
nation, Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas. Her journey reflects both the academic
rigor and personal growth fostered during her time at TCU.
Originally from Rowlett, Texas, Johnson was drawn to TCU for its blend of Big 12 energy and a close-knit, supportive environment.
“I wanted a strong nursing program, but I also wanted a place where I felt connected,” she says. “TCU stood out because of its academic reputation and the relationships I knew I could build here.”
That sense of connection carried into her academic experience, where TCU’s nursing program challenged and supported her in equal measure.
“The professors truly care about your success,” Johnson explains. “They bring real-world experience into the classroom and push you to be your best, but they’re also there to support you every step of the way.”
Through clinical rotations and hands-on practice in the simulation lab, Johnson developed the skills and confidence she needed to step into a demanding healthcare role.
“The simulation lab was a huge part of my learning,” she says. “It gave me the chance to practice critical skills in a safe environment before working with real patients, which made a big difference in how prepared I felt after graduation.”
One of the most defining moments of her time at TCU came during her final semester, when she helped lead the TCU Flu Clinic.
“Our group really took ownership of the entire process,” she recalls. “We created marketing materials, coordinated logistics and even hosted pop-up clinics in the community. It brought together everything we had learned—patient care, teamwork, leadership—and made it all feel very real.”
Outside of the classroom, Johnson found just as much value in the everyday moments.
“Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones—spending afternoons in the Commons, going to [football] games or just hanging out with friends,” she says. “Those experiences helped me build lasting relationships and made my time at TCU so meaningful.”
Now working as a pediatric surgical trauma nurse at Children’s Health in Dallas, Johnson credits TCU with preparing her for both the technical and emotional demands of her career.
“TCU gave me the confidence to step into this role and the foundation to keep growing,” she says. “It shaped me not just as a nurse, but as a person.”
To offer a more personal perspective on her experience, Johnson shares a few reflections and insights from her time at TCU and her transition into nursing.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective TCU nursing students?
A: TCU’s nursing program is challenging, but the support system is unmatched. Lean on your professors, classmates and campus resources—they truly want you to succeed. Trust the process, stay dedicated and remember that the hard work pays off in both confidence and capability.
Q: What experience at TCU best prepared you for your current role?
A: Running the Flu Clinic during my final semester was incredibly impactful. It combined leadership, teamwork and patient care in a real-world setting. That experience gave me a glimpse into the responsibilities of nursing and helped me feel ready to step into my career.
Q: How did TCU shape your experience beyond academics?
A: Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones—spending time with friends in the Commons, going to games and enjoying Fort Worth together. Those experiences helped me build lasting relationships and made my time at TCU truly special.
Johnson’s story reflects how dedication, support and real-world experience come together to create a strong foundation for the future—one that continues to guide her as she grows in her career and cares for others when it matters most.