Louella Graham

Biography

Louella Graham began her nursing journey with dual bachelor's degrees in nursing and biological sciences from the University of Southern California. She later earned a master of nursing education from Capella University and is currently completing her doctor of nursing practice, with graduation anticipated in April 2026. She holds two specialty board certifications—Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC) and Critical Care (CCRN)—underscoring her expertise in both clinical practice and professional education.

Over the past 12 years, Graham has cultivated a broad teaching portfolio spanning academic institutions, hospital-based programs, and outpatient clinical settings. She has contributed as faculty for an American Heart Association Training Center, providing critical life support education to healthcare professionals. During her five years at Mount St. Mary's University, she served as course lead for Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing and taught Transitions into Nursing Practice, where she developed curriculum, mentored students, and guided new nurses in bridging theory to practice.

Her teaching philosophy reflects the Tripartite Model—integrating teaching, scholarship, and service—and emphasizes leadership and change agency. Guided by adult learning theory and constructivist principles, she designs evidence-based curricula that foster critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making. She incorporates innovative methods such as gamification, flipped classrooms, and simulation to enhance engagement and evaluation. One highlight includes developing a Sepsis Escape Room competency program that gamified training for over 400 nurses at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills.

In her current advisory role as a nursing professional development specialist at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, a facility recently designated as a Magnet with Distinction, she co-leads the ANCC-accredited New Graduate RN Residency Program and the Transition to Specialty RN Program for ICU and DOU areas. She is an active member of the Nursing Practice Council, Shock and Resuscitation Committee, Stroke Committee, and the Kaiser Permanente National New Graduate Residency Advisory Board. Her contributions earned a local Magnet award for advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and her Sepsis Escape Room initiative was highlighted by Magnet surveyors and submitted as an ANCC abstract. While early in her research career, she is preparing to launch her doctor of nursing practice capstone project focused on Fall prevention strategies in the home health setting. As part of her work with the Nursing Practice Council, she also serves as a research advisor to nursing staff engaged in evidence-based practice initiatives. 

Graham deeply values Pepperdine University’s mission to integrate faith, learning, and service. She honors this commitment through her dedication to serving others as both a nurse and an educator. Guided professionally by the ethical principles of the Nursing Code of Ethics and grounded in her faith, she believes that spiritual growth is essential to supporting students’ personal and professional development as they progress through the nursing program. This dedication is evident in her mentorship roles with the Sigma Theta Tau mentorship program, the Kaiser Permanente National Residency Program Group Mentor, and the ongoing guidance she offers her former students. 

“Those of us who choose the nursing profession do so because of a deep, innate calling to care for and heal others,” she shares. “In my teaching, I apply the same guiding principles that have always inspired my practice as a nurse.” What began as a nurse-patient relationship has evolved into a teacher-student dynamic, approached with the same compassionate, individually centered, holistic care. Her philosophy is grounded in her Catholic Christian values, ensuring every student is treated with respect, empathy, and encouragement. As an educator, she embraces the role of a transformational Christian leader—leading by example, demonstrating integrity, cultivating a supportive environment, and inspiring excellence. A quote from Mother Teresa has long guided her approach to nursing education: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Graham strives to be that foundational stone, creating ripples of positive influence that extend beyond the classroom. For her, nursing education is not only about personal achievement but about nurturing a sense of responsibility and a lifelong commitment to service. Her hope is that these ripples will continue to spread, creating a lasting impact on her students and the communities they will one day serve. 

Education

• Certified Critical Care Nurse
• Board Certified Nursing Professional Development Specialist
• M.S., Nursing Education, Capella University
• B.S.N., University of Southern California
• B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Southern California