Andrena Johnson Zeigler, Careers After CON

CON alumna Andrena Johnson Zeigler, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS draws on her lifelong passion for education in her roles as pediatric nurse practitioner, adjunct professor, and children's book author. Deeply committed to her patients and their families, she discovered a way to magnify the reach of her impact.

She recently shared what she loves most about her career progression and how MUSC’s College of Nursing helped her grow as a clinician and educator.

Current position:

I currently work as a pediatric nurse practitioner for a federally qualified community health center. I provide primary medical care for infants, children, and adolescents from birth through 18 years of age. I am also an adjunct professor for the Nurse Practitioner program of a local university. Most recently, I became the author of a children’s book, But I’m Not Sick! The book is about a mother who takes her child for a well visit, and the child protests that she is not sick. The wise mother and kind doctor explain the entire process, and the child enjoys the visit. She even looks forward to the next well child checkup.

What inspired you to write a children’s book?

I’ve always had a love for children’s books. I had a mini library when I was young and created one for my children as they grew up as well. The clinical practice for which I work participates in the Reach Out and Read program, providing books to children from birth through age 5 at their well child checks. It brings me joy to see both the parents and children get excited when receiving a book. So, when my then 7-year-old niece challenged me to write a book, I accepted. I did nothing with it for over a year, but my children would not let it go unpublished and encouraged me to pursue it.

What do you enjoy most about writing, and how do you balance it with your work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

I am used to being busy and can sometimes find myself accepting one project after the other. Writing provides balance in that it clears my mind of work in the traditional sense. I enjoy being creative. For me, it is challenging, but also relaxing. It is an outlet of sorts. Finding the right combination of words is not always easy. However, there is no better feeling when you are pleased with what you feel is the finished work.

Fun Fact about your career path:

Creating children’s books also require knowledge of the subject matter. Writing children’s books about health is a nice way to combine my experiences as a pediatric healthcare provider and educator. My work in the clinic gives me valuable experience. My patients unknowingly provide cute “titles” for books during our encounters. I hope to continue to write more children’s books in the near future.

How did CON’s DNP Program prepare you for your professional pursuits?

The DNP program taught me leadership and to be in constant pursuit of quality improvement. I am challenged each day to provide quality care to my patients and their families. This new endeavor as an author is my effort to reach children outside the walls of the clinic or who may not be in my direct care. I hope to ease their fears and provide more understanding of expectations in their care on a larger scale.

How did CON help you grow as a nurse practitioner?

I came to MUSC College of Nursing as a pediatric nurse. I was accustomed to working with children and comfortable in that regard, but the CON taught me everything I know about the role, skills, and responsibilities of a nurse practitioner. The program was wonderful, and I came away with a wealth of knowledge. I felt prepared to begin my journey in providing primary care as an independent provider and collaborator of health.

— Andrena Johnson Zeigler