John Lundeen EdD, RN, CNE, is thrilled to join Galen College of Nursing as the Program Director of the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. In his new role, Dr. Lundeen will provide engaged leadership in the development and implementation of the MSN Nurse Educator track, drawing from his extensive experience in nursing education.  We caught up with Dr. Lundeen to learn more about his career, tips for students, and why he loves Payday candy bars.

Where did you start your career?

I began at the University of West Alabama, where I earned my associate degree in nursing. From there, my wife and I moved to Birmingham, Alabama. I started on a medical-surgical floor in a hospital in Birmingham. Over time, I worked in the medical intensive care unit and the cardiac cath lab. I also worked a short stint as a critical care transport flight nurse onboard a fixed-wing aircraft.

Later, I attended the Ida Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where they have an RN-MSN bridge program. There, I earned my master’s in nursing education. After I earned my master’s, I began teaching at Samford and was there for 11 years. In that time, I attended The University of Alabama where I earned my EdD in instructional leadership in nursing education.  While at Samford, I taught in the baccalaureate program and then transitioned to the master’s and finally the DNP program.

What attracted you to Galen?

I have worked previously with four executives from Galen on different boards at the national level. Their personalities and dedication to nursing education were inspiring. Hearing them talk about Galen, the new opportunities here, and the rate in which they were able to make things happen was very appealing to me.

When I found out about the MSN program, the opportunity for growth and the chance to create something great was what drew me, and I just thought, ‘You know, I have prepared myself for this.’ I knew that everything I have done up until this point including my education, serving as a commissioner on the CNE Commission, and my affiliation as governor-at-large on the board of the National League for Nursing has prepared me for this role. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to do this!’

How will students benefit from the online MSN, Nurse Educator Program?

Our program will provide students with an opportunity to get a higher education and advance their careers. Becoming a nurse educator will open opportunities for them to teach in clinical areas and simulation environments. They can work in hospitals as directors of education for nurses and the ancillary staff. It will also prepare them for careers in a range of pre-licensure nursing programs.

What are some of the responsibilities of your role?

I am going to be making sure that the curriculum is designed to a level for what we want in a master’s prepared nurse, and just making sure that the content is addressing the standards for our national organizations and our accrediting bodies.  I am also responsible for hiring and supervising faculty who will teach and manage those courses. It is also my responsibility to encourage them in faculty development opportunities that help them reach goals they have set for themselves, as well as help them to achieve those goals.

Do you have any advice for students entering the MSN program?

Enter with a strong desire to learn more. Graduate students are expected to do more independent learning and seeking out more information than what is provided. Students should have a higher level of inquiry, search more, and be ready for more writing. The master’s level is more reading and writing intensive. I know there are many people who say they can’t write and wouldn’t be able to make it in graduate school, but there are so many people at Galen who are willing to help students be successful.

Our program is online, so as an MSN student, you’re going to have to set deadlines. It is fast-paced because it is an eight-week term, so you’ll need to be prepared for a rigorous education. However, your faculty will be there and will support you.

Fun Facts:

Favorite candy bar: Payday. It’s the best of both worlds, sweet and salty. It’s the most amazing candy bar.
Favorite football team: Ole Miss Rebels (Hotty Toddy!)
Favorite food: A juicy bacon cheeseburger cooked on an old, flat grill at a diner.
Foods You Hate: I hate a fried egg that’s got runny egg white.
Favorite Hobby: My favorite thing to do right now is to help out with my daughters’ bands. I have enjoyed being involved with the band booster programs.
Favorite Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation