By: Courtney Thomas—
Muncie, IN – The Ball State University College of Sciences and Humanities has recognized Doreen Johnson, RN, MA, FACHE, NEA-BC, and former vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO) of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, as a 2017 Indiana Women of Achievement award recipient. Each year, Ball State University recognizes Indiana women who enrich the lives of others through outstanding accomplishments in a variety of fields, including education or research, leadership in the community or university service, leadership within the business community, leadership in advocacy for women, and leadership in women’s health issues.
Johnson, who retired in 2016 after 38 years of service at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, was awarded a distinction in executive nursing leadership and community service during the 17th annual awards dinner on October 18, 2017 at the Ball State Alumni Center.
“Doreen has a passion for people,” said Carla Cox, vice president and chief nursing officer, IU Health East Central Region. “Whether it’s a patient, family member, nurse or volunteer, she cares about improving and enriching the lives of others. Her leadership fostered an environment in which nurses feel empowered to make decisions to improve the care of their patients, as well as grow professionally.”
Johnson began her career as a nursing assistant in 1978 before transitioning to a charge nurse role on the medical/surgical unit in 1979, followed by the intensive care unit in 1981. Johnson then took on her first nursing leadership role as the project director of patient classification. She later served as the director of administrative and special projects, director of maternal/child health and surgical divisions, vice president of patient care services and vice president of operations. In 2002, she assumed her role as vice president and chief nursing officer.
Throughout her 23 years as CNO, Johnson guided IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital through significant transformation and growth, reflecting a high-quality continuum of care for patients and the community. Her planning, delivery, and evaluation of clinically effective and efficient nursing care have made a lasting impact on nursing practice, standards, and patient care delivery throughout the organization.
“It was such an honor and humbling experience to be awarded a distinction in executive nursing leadership and community service,” said Johnson. “I loved my work at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, particularly the team members, volunteers and patients. To me, this award serves as the capstone of my career in nursing executive leadership and I feel very blessed.”
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Dr. Jeff Bird is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
