Meet Michelle

Michelle Fulkerson, MSB/Ed, RN-BC, NPD-BC, CNE | Assistant Professor of Nursing

What classes are you teaching at Huntington University?

I am teaching mental health.

What is your favorite thing about mental health nursing?

My favorite patients to care for are those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with a manic episode – basically patients who are suffering from severe psychosis. My goal is to be a safe person for patients to trust, especially when they are not able to distinguish delusions or hallucinations from reality. When patients are unaware of their surroundings and unable to process conversation, I want them to be able to look at my face and know they are safe. Because they are psychotic, they may not remember my name or that I am a nurse, but they can still feel safe. I find great joy in being able to care for these patients who may otherwise be left behind without support.

Why did you choose HU?

I have been adjunct faculty for mental health clinical since 2014 and was excited to have the opportunity to transition to full-time faculty. I have always enjoyed the nursing students at HU during clinical. Previously, I was teaching full-time at Parkview in Transition to Practice/Nurse Residency – I was able to see the high-quality nurses who graduate from HU.

Do you and your family live in the area?

My husband and I, plus our three kids, live in New Haven, Indiana.

Where did you get your degree from?

Associate of Applied Science – Northwest State Community College

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Indiana Wesleyan University

Master of Nursing Education – University of Phoenix

Doctorate of Nursing Practice – Indiana Wesleyan University (graduation 12/2020)

Posted By: Department of Nursing