Kristen McCreight, DNP, RN, CPXP
Dr. Kristen McCreight’s professional journey is defined by resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to transforming adversity into impact. As a high-achieving high school senior, her path shifted dramatically when she became pregnant and was stripped of her leadership roles, told she was no longer someone others should look up to. Rather than allowing that moment to define her, she used it as fuel. In 1994, she co-founded Grace House, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing crisis pregnancies. Her leadership as CEO from 2002 to 2008 allowed her to mentor thousands of young people and advocate for compassionate, informed care across her community.
Driven to expand her influence and credibility, Dr. McCreight returned to school in 2008, earning her nursing degree in 2010 and stepping into a career that would shape future generations of healthcare professionals. As a medical-surgical hiring manager, she recruited and mentored nearly 1,000 new graduate nurses, many of whom have gone on to become leaders themselves. Her passion for lifelong learning led her to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2021 during the height of the pandemic—an achievement that reflects both her discipline and dedication. Today, she serves as an educator for RN-to-BSN students, a hospice liaison, and a builder of clinical affiliations across multiple universities in Texas.
With a career that spans the full continuum of care—from supporting new life to guiding patients through end-of-life experiences—Dr. McCreight brings a deeply human perspective to healthcare. She is also a reviewer for the Journal of Patient Experience, contributing to global conversations on improving care delivery. Grounded in mentorship, communication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, she continues to elevate the human experience in healthcare, ensuring that every patient interaction is guided by dignity, compassion, and purpose.
• Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP)
• Purdue Global
Doctrate of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science - MS, Nursing Administration
• Clinical Director of the Year (2015)
• Texas Organization of Nursing Leadership Poster Presentation on Patient Experience Outcomes (September 2024)
• Journal Reviewer for the Journal of Patient Experience (2026)
• Community support through Senior Center and charitable events
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity, grit, and a deep commitment to academic and personal growth. Early adversity in my life shaped my perspective and gave me a strong sense of purpose, rather than holding me back. I have always believed in turning challenges into opportunities, and that mindset has carried me through every stage of my journey. Equally important is my dedication to mentoring others—I see success not only in my own achievements, but in the growth and leadership of those I have helped guide along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to persevere with fortitude and remain open to learning from everyone around them. Healthcare is a demanding field, but it is also incredibly meaningful, and growth often comes from both successes and setbacks. Prioritizing self-care is essential to sustaining a long and impactful career. I also strongly believe in the importance of mentorship—seek it out, and in time, pay it forward to others entering the profession.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant challenges we face is rebuilding trust in healthcare following the pandemic, along with improving meaningful, human-centered communication. There are also ongoing gaps in public understanding, particularly around end-of-life care, which require greater education and compassion-driven dialogue. At the same time, there is tremendous opportunity to strengthen academic–clinical partnerships, helping to better prepare and influence the next generation of nurses while addressing broader healthcare disparities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are tenacity, clear and compassionate communication, and an unwavering commitment to dignity and quality of care. I believe strongly in mentorship and in building meaningful professional relationships that foster growth and collaboration. These values not only shape how I practice and lead in healthcare, but also how I show up in my personal life and community.