Program: Nursing
Larinda Dixon wanted a career that was challenging, was interesting and made a difference in people's lives.
“I became interested in nursing when I realized I would have the opportunity to take care of people on a daily basis,” she said. “The more I learned about the role and responsibilities of a nurse, I started to believe it was the career for me.”
Dixon earned her bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, her master’s from St. Xavier University and her doctorate from Northern Illinois University. During her career, she has worked in the intensive care unit, post-anesthesia care unit, operating room and emergency room. Before coming to College of DuPage, she taught nursing for five years in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
“I decided to teach because I love nursing,” she said. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge and clinical skills with nursing students. It is a wonderful opportunity to instill in others a sense of passion and pride about nursing’s contributions to patients and society.
“Teaching allows me to witness the joy of learning and growth in each of my students and to contribute to the future and the legacy of the nursing profession. I like being part of ‘growing’ the next generation of nurses. Working as a nursing professor has also allowed me to grow and learn right along with my students.”
Dixon wants her students to graduate, be successful on the licensure exam and have wonderful careers as nurses.
“I am inspired by the culmination of perseverance,” she said. “I love witnessing people achieve goals that once seemed next to impossible.”