Michelle Ferguson

Planting Seeds of Compassion: Dr. Michelle Ferguson’s Approach to Nursing Education

Dr. Michelle Ferguson, Assistant Professor at the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, has always felt caring as an innate part of her being. As a young girl, she had a deep connection to those around her, often becoming overly concerned about their wellbeing.
This natural gravitation toward a profession centered on caring for others led her to nursing. “I have always seen our profession as selfless and naturally caring,” she said. “It resonated with me.”
This organic calling is fully actualized in all her student encounters, with a clear, authentic presence that goes beyond words.
“What I love about our students is that they appreciate it when we show up for them and are excited to let us know that they feel cared for,” Dr. Ferguson added.
One-on-one mentoring relationships with students allow her to extend this care, which she believes is the highest level of service she can provide, benefiting both mentors and mentees.
Her teaching area of expertise is advanced pediatric nursing diagnostics and therapeutics. She engages in scholarship in pediatric mental health, nursing informatics, technology-based practice and teaching innovations, and interprofessional collaboration in education and practice.
Dr. Ferguson sees every interaction with students as a privileged opportunity to influence their nursing journey. “In delivering instruction, I understand that I am shaping and molding the next generation of nurses,” she said, adding that her role extends beyond imparting knowledge; she helps develop character, reinforce resilience, and influence stress management and coping.
While it may be easy to focus solely on expertise and maintain a narrow perspective in the classroom, Dr. Ferguson said she embraces every opportunity to create meaningful relationships and model the behavior she hopes her students will exemplify in real-life nursing situations. She views every opportunity as a chance to mentor and takes this responsibility very seriously.
“My teaching is grounded in many phenomenological attributes of love and caring and blossoms into nurturing deep connections,” Dr. Ferguson said. “The Dance of Caring Persons signifies our commitment to creating genuine connections with all. I lead with this phenomenon in mind.”
When she encourages her students, she is mindful of this alternating rhythm, purposefully present and aware of the magnitude of her actions—or inactions. This standard guides her approach with students in and out of the classroom.
For Dr. Ferguson, interacting with students new to the nursing education journey is thrilling because it presents a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression on the nurses they will become.
“It is a privilege to plant seeds of nursing’s love language within them and witness its germination and growth over the years they spend with us at the college,” she shared.
The students at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing come from all walks of life, bringing with them inspiring stories of tenacity, fortitude and resilience. With her teaching and mentorship grounded in caring, , Dr. Ferguson has the opportunity to support students with tools that promote academic success and professional development.
“The effects of this nurturing are evident when our students interact with community stakeholders,” Dr. Ferguson said. “Their presence is a breath of fresh air and a testament to the tools that our world-class faculty provide them. The pride that emanates from our students and community partners is enough to remind me that we are on the right track.”