Owens Nursing Graduate Colton Johnson Uses Involvement, Friends to Succeed


Colton Johnson

Colton Johnson

When Colton Johnson receives his Associate in Nursing from Owens Community College during the Fall 2024 commencement, it will be an important first step in his journey to bigger goals in the healthcare field.

Based upon the honors and recognitions he’s received, it seems like there’s little doubt Johnson will achieve everything he’s aiming for.

Johnson is the recipient of the Dr. Peggy Bensman Award, the highest honor given to an Owens nursing graduate. The award recognizes graduates for their high academic achievement, high professional standards and community and professional leadership.

He’s one of the Barbara Rood Student Choice Award recipients as well.

“I’ve done a lot throughout my time at Owens, and it’s been a great experience to work alongside the faculty and students,” Johnson said. “Getting that recognition means a lot to me. I’m very thankful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had here.”

During his time at Owens, Johnson has also been the Owens Alpha Nu Nursing Honor Society president, Owens Students Nurse Association president, National Student Nurse Association state representative and National Student Nurse Association Leadership University Honor Society member.

After being involved in so much while at Owens, Johnson admitted it’s surreal to think about graduating.

“When you look back, it really does feel like it flew by, even though when you’re going through it, it felt like forever,” he said with a laugh. “I’m extremely ready. I’m excited to see what the next few years holds for me.”

His involvement and the friends he made have helped Johnson through much in his time at Owens. He encourages any and all nursing students to get involved and create those communities.

“They got me through doing study groups and being able to relate on how difficult the times were, motivate each other, push each other and keep each other accountable,” Johnson said. “Making good friendships and making a good circle is a crucial part to getting through nursing school. It makes it so much easier and so much more enjoyable.”

Upon passing his NCLEX exam, Johnson will be a surgical ICU nurse. He started as a medical assistant in a medical ICU and gained an appreciation for the critical setting and how he can be more in-depth with the patients because of the smaller patient-to-nurse ratio.

Johnson’s passion for being in healthcare started when he was an elementary school student. While his first dream was to be a surgeon, he realized his goals aligned more with being a nurse.

“I realized I wanted to be more hands-on with my patients, interact with them more, and have a better work-life balance,” Johnson said. “I looked into nursing and went for it. It’s been a great path.”

Next up for Johnson will be completing his Bachelor of Registered Nursing Degree online before embarking on his quest to be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, which is a doctorate degree.

Helping others and being directly involved with their care is central to what drew Johnson into nursing in the first place. He wants to use that appetite for doing good on a grand scale, too.

“I want to help people where I can and make a difference in the world,” Johnson said. “If I can eventually do something like Doctors Without Borders or some other humanitarian work, really help where it’s needed and provide care where they wouldn’t otherwise receive it, that’s really a top goal for me.”

 
Learn more about the Registered Nurse Program >>
Learn more about the School of Nursing and Health Professions >>

 
Published December 2024