Abbey Johnson Nursing tutor
Abbey Johnson, a former NMIT student herself with a strong connection to the region, has returned to the institute where her nursing journey began.
“I was raised in Nelson and gained my initial bachelor’s degree at NMIT, which I really enjoyed,” she says. Abbey also holds a postgraduate diploma, an Adult and Tertiary Teaching Certificate, and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree.
Her clinical career began in a general surgical ward before she found her passion in emergency care.
“After I graduated at NMIT I worked for a year in a general surgical ward which gave me a solid nursing foundation before I found a passion for the busy environment of the Emergency Department,” she says. She spent several years in ED, later moving into a split role between the Emergency Department and the ICCU Patient at Risk team.
Alongside her clinical work, Abbey developed a strong interest in education. She took on teaching roles for CENNZ as a national triage instructor and as a clinical educator at NMIT. Those experiences shaped her next step.
“I loved teaching so much I decided I wanted to do it full time.”
In the classroom, she focuses on connection, confidence, and real-world learning.
“I have a relaxed, approachable, and hands-on teaching style that prioritises engagement and real-world application,” she says.
“I aim to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning.”
At the heart of her teaching is a commitment to developing future nurses.
“I enjoy teaching because I am passionate about supporting and developing future nurses,” Abbey says. “I find it rewarding to see students grow in confidence, knowledge, and clinical judgement.”
Outside of work, Abbey is a parent to three teenagers and spends much of her time supporting them in sport.
