Caitlin Lofton, MSN, RN, CEN

Pfeiffer University

Caitlin Lofton is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator for the Department of Nursing at Pfeiffer University. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2017, she graduated from Duke University, earning a master of science degree in nursing education. Caitlin’s clinical background is in emergency medicine, where she has served in various roles from staff nurse to clinical supervisor. Caitlin also holds her certification in emergency nursing. 

 At Pfeiffer University, Caitlin is the Adult Health faculty member, where she is responsible for educating students in chronic, acute, and complex medical surgical issues. She works with students in the classroom, laboratory, clinical, and simulation environments. After discovering an interest in simulation, Caitlin obtained a graduate certificate in simulation education from Bryan College of Health Sciences (BCHS) in Lincoln, Nebraska, to better implement this pedagogical practice.  

 Caitlin is a doctoral candidate in the Education Doctorate program at BCHS. Her dissertation focuses on the development of grit as a potential outcome of pre-licensure service-learning activities and the impact on retention in newer registered nurses. Caitlin’s other research interests include teaching strategies, simulation, and burnout in nursing faculty. Caitlin holds memberships with the following organizations: North Carolina Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, the National League for Nursing, and the Emergency Nurses Association. 

 Caitlin lives in the Charlotte area and enjoys traveling in and out of the country. Her love of travel and nursing has led her to participate and lead several medical mission trips to Peru, and she desires to develop and implement this practice for a school of nursing. She believes that the Invest in Nursing (IIN) Faculty Fellowship will help her to bridge community partnerships with her passion for mission trips in order to see her dream realized. Caitlin believes that the opportunity to learn and grow with others in the IIN Faculty Fellowship is priceless, and will allow her to advance in her nursing faculty role.