Dr. Helen M. Hurst is a distinguished leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Currently serving as Associate Dean of Nursing and Professor at Creighton University she provides oversight and leadership for the College of Nursing on the Phoenix, AZ campus. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Hurst has cultivated expertise in academic administration, innovative curriculum development, and healthcare partnerships, positioning her as a pivotal force in advancing nursing education.
Dr. Hurst's academic career includes roles at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she served as Department Head and Associate to the Dean, LHC Group ● Myers School of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences and held the LGMC/BORSF Endowed Professor in Nursing. There, she oversaw a nursing department of over 1500 nursing students and led accreditation efforts, curriculum design, and faculty development initiatives. Her teaching repertoire encompasses BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, where she has mentored graduate students and guided doctoral research projects.
An active contributor to nursing scholarship, Dr. Hurst's scholarship focuses on maternal and neonatal health, healthcare disparities, and nursing education. Among her notable achievements is being a co-patent holder for a Portable Lactation and Women’s Health Unit, Patent No. US D910,873 S which reflects her dedication to improving women’s health outcomes and supporting breastfeeding initiatives. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has earned recognition for excellence, including securing grants to support innovative projects in healthcare simulation and in community nursing.
Dr. Hurst is an esteemed member of professional organizations, including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the National League of Nursing. She has held influential roles, such as Editorial Board Member for the Nursing for Women’s Health, Chair of AWHONN's National Convention Planning Committee, and member of the Louisiana Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Committee. Her dedication to nursing education, maternal health, and nursing leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Certificate of Achievement in Innovation, and the Cols. Jean & Philip Piccone Nursing Faculty Development Award. Additionally, Dr. Hurst was a Fellow in the Leadership in Academic Nursing Program, American Association of Colleges of Nursing).
As a nationally sought-after speaker, Dr. Hurst has presented on topics ranging from maternal mortality and sexual health to mentoring in leadership. Her commitment to advancing nursing education, empowering women’s health, and fostering scholarly excellence continues to inspire and shape the next generation of nursing professionals.