Anita Fitzgerald

Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, CNE, is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she has taught since 2005. She holds tenured status and works in office NUR-06. Prior to academia, she practiced as a nurse practitioner in primary care and as a registered nurse in medical-surgical nursing, cardiac care, and emergency departments.

Education:

• PhD in Nursing Education - University of Northern Colorado (Greely, CO)
• MSN - CSULB
• BSN - Mt. St. Mary’s College (Los Angeles, CA)
• ADN - Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)
• Bachelor of Arts in History - Loyola Marymount University

Research Focus: Dr. Fitzgerald specializes in nursing professional identity formation, particularly how educational approaches influence student identity development. Her work examines stressors like the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing education and advocates for equity, inclusion, and antiracism in curricula. She also explores global nursing education standards.

Professional Engagement:

• Certified in Nursing Education (CNE)
• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International, National League for Nursing, Western Institute of Nursing, and Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
• Editorial Advisory Board Member at SAGE Publishing

Advising & Grants: While specific student advisees and grant details are not specified, her research interests indicate active involvement in shaping nursing education policies and curricula. She collaborates with professional associations to advance nursing education standards globally.