Nursing research, theory guided grad’s passion

Merriam-Webster might want to consider an addendum to the word “prolific” in its dictionary.

Perhaps it could add “see Justin Fontenot,” or post his picture under the entry.

Since the fall of 2022, Fontenot has written or contributed to 27 editorial and research pieces that have been published in peer-reviewed nursing journals. 

“I already had a passion for my profession but wanted to make a bigger impact in the ongoing and future development of the science that will continue to guide the profession,” said Fontenot, who’s been a practicing nurse for more than 20 years.

On May 8, Fontenot will graduate from Texas Woman’s with a PhD in nursing science. He said he chose TWU because of its strong reputation and because of the faculty who have paved the way for nursing science.

He recently accepted a position as the new editor-in-chief at the Journal of Nursing Management and Nursing Open. The publications are ranked 4th and 7th in the general nursing category globally, according to Google Scholar. 

His published articles have touched on a variety of topics in the nursing field, among them the use of AI in nursing education, the impact of climate change in nursing education and nursing faculty experiences with ethnocultural empathy.

Fontenot will continue in his current teaching position as an associate professor at Tulane University’s School of Medicine.

He also plans to expand upon his dissertation research on confidence-building among early-career nurses.

And what does Fontenot do when he’s not publishing articles?

Fontenot and his husband Mike have one son, Tyler, and two cocker spaniels: Eviee and Lola. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, reading and traveling.

Page last updated 3:57 PM, April 22, 2026