Faculty practice provides faculty members with the opportunity to be engaged in their area of expertise. As leaders of exemplary, innovative, and culturally proficient faculty engagement, faculty members fulfill the mission of the UA Capstone College of Nursing’s Faculty Practice Committee. The Faculty Practice Committee strives to increase the visibility of the school of nursing by spotlighting the practice of faculty members as they practice in community agencies. Practice sites are diverse and represent the expertise and background preparation of faculty engaged in faculty practice. Faculty “spotlights” are updated multiple times annually to showcase the exceptional work of faculty practice members. Be sure to return to this webpage in the future to learn about the practice of other faculty members!
Shjuan Crockett, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, CDP
At the Capstone College of Nursing, I currently serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the undergraduate program. In this role, I have the privilege of teaching nursing theory and engaging students in clinical learning experiences. I strive to connect classroom content with real-world practice.
My faculty practice is as a Nurse Practitioner in long-term care at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, where I have served since 2017. This is a multi-faceted and dynamic role in which I care for Veterans with complex and chronic physical and mental health conditions. My work supports not only the physical, but also the mental, emotional, social, and psychological well-being of the patients I serve. Despite the challenges, this practice is deeply rewarding, as there is a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you are improving someone’s life; sometimes in small, yet deeply significant ways.
I am proud and deeply honored to serve those who have so selflessly served our country — our American Veterans.
My “typical day” often involves managing chronic and acute illnesses, coordinating care with an interprofessional team, and supporting Veterans in achieving their best quality of life within the long-term care setting.
I incorporate evidence-based research into my faculty practice by staying current with national clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed literature, particularly in geriatric and chronic care management. I apply these findings directly to patient care decisions; whether managing polypharmacy, preventing falls, or enhancing quality of life for Veterans. By integrating research into individualized care plans, I ensure that Veterans receive safe, effective, and up-to-date treatments that reflect the highest standards of nursing practice.
My professional interests include geriatric care, chronic disease management, dementia care, polypharmacy management, and improving quality of life for long-term care residents. I also have a strong interest in caregiver burden, understanding the physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with chronic illness and identifying strategies to support both patients and their caregivers.
I hope to expand my involvement in quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives, particularly in the areas of geriatric care, dementia care, and caregiver burden. My goal is to strengthen patient safety, enhance quality of life for patients in long-term care, and develop strategies to better support caregivers as they navigate the challenges of chronic illness and aging.
In the last several years, I have seen significant changes in geriatric and long-term care, particularly in the areas of dementia care and caregiver support. In dementia care, research has advanced our understanding of behavioral and psychological symptoms, leading to more person-centered and nonpharmacological approaches. I’ve also seen greater recognition of caregiver burden as a critical issue, with health systems placing more focus on caregiver education, support resources, and respite care. These changes not only improve patient outcomes but also align with the broader shift toward holistic, patient/family-centered care.
My faculty practice as a Nurse Practitioner in long-term care at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center directly supports the mission of the Faculty Practice Committee and the Capstone College of Nursing by advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care. Through this work, I not only improve health outcomes for patients, but also strengthen the academic mission by bringing real-world clinical experiences into the classroom. This integration ensures that students learn to apply research, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration in practice. My practice also aligns with CCN’s mission of service, scholarship, and education by addressing health disparities, supporting caregivers, and preparing the next generation of nurses to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.