Meet Dr. Aimée Houghton
Degrees and Experience
- Ph.D., Nursing Education (Liberty University)
- M.S.N., Nursing Leadership and Administration (Texas Tech University)
- B.S.N. (Texas Tech University)
- B.S. (Southwestern Assembly of God University)
Biography and Professional Achievements
Dr. Aimée W. Houghton is a distinguished nursing instructor who brings a rich tapestry of experience and passion to her role. A second-degree nurse, she transitioned from a career in elementary education to follow her calling in nursing education. Her journey in healthcare began as an ICU nurse, where her dedication and expertise quickly propelled her into several leadership roles, including Network Director of Critical Care Services, Director of Critical Care, and Director of Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Orthopedics, and Dialysis units in renowned Texas hospitals.
Dr. Houghton's visionary leadership was instrumental in spearheading a hospital-wide Sepsis campaign, significantly reducing non-compliance with national protocols and enhancing patient outcomes. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with multiple Daisy Award nominations, the prestigious Nurse of the Year title, and Leader of the Year honors.
With education as her first passion, Dr. Houghton naturally transitioned from hospital settings to academia. She has served as a director of a BSN program and a clinical coordinator, teaching in both residential and online nursing programs. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her the Students’ Choice Award and the Outstanding Faculty Award.
Dr. Houghton loves teaching from a Biblical worldview, seamlessly integrating God's word into her classes. As she follows His will for her life in the ministry of nursing, she strives to make an eternal difference in the lives of her students. Her approach not only enriches the educational experience but also inspires future nurses to see their work as a profound calling.
Publications
- Houghton, A., Knight, L., & Joseph, R. (2023). Male sexual abuse: Prevalence and consequences. Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, 12(4), 199-125. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPS.0000000000000371
- Houghton, A., & Sanderfer, J. (2024, June 24). Simulation and Classroom: Enhancing Learning Through an Unfolding Case Study [Conference presentation]. Nurse Educator Conference in the Rockies, Beaver Run, CO, United States.
- Kim, J., Mullen, L., Akers, S., Joseph, R., Bishop, L., Bistany, B., Chambers, A., Harvey, J., & Houghton, A. (2022). The efficacy of a forgiveness bibliotherapy: A randomized control trial with nursing students. Journal of Holistic Nursing, e1552-5724. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211072288
- Mullen, L., Bistany, B., Kim, J., Joesph, R., Akers, S., Harvey, J., & Houghton, A. (2023). Facilitation of forgiveness: Impact on health and well-being. Holistic Nursing Practice, 37(1), 15-23. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000559
Faith and Learning
Professor Houghton has a love for patient safety and quality care, as well as education, and hopes to instill these into the hearts of her students. She believes that educating the future nursing workforce is her calling and ministry. As such, Professor Houghton teaches the art and science of nursing from a distinctively biblical worldview. Integration of faith into learning environments, not only in the classroom but also in clinical and simulation settings, helps students understand the magnificent and miraculous creation of the human body, understanding that all people are made in the image of God and are therefore valuable. Additionally, teaching nursing from a biblical worldview teaches students to see the patients, families, and their community as their mission field and to learn to minister to them through the profession of nursing.