Meet Dr. Susan Draine
Degrees and Experience
- EdD, (Nova Southeastern University)
- MSN-CNS, Adult Health (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
- MBA, (Nova Southeastern University)
- BSN, (Olivet Nazarene University)
- CNE, Certified Nurse Educator
- FCN, Faith Community Nurse Certification
Biography and Professional Achievements
From a young age, Dr. Susan Draine invited Christ into her heart countless times. As a rebellious teenager in high school, she realized her need for salvation and surrendered everything to God's care. Shortly after graduation, she prayed at the church altar, seeking guidance for her life's purpose. With a deep desire to help others, she chose nursing as her calling.
After seven years as a registered nurse in medical/oncology and open-heart units, Dr. Draine earned her MSN and CNS in adult health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She returned to her undergraduate program to teach critical care and leadership courses, while also providing temporary ICU relief. During this time, she earned an MBA and later completed an EdD online through Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Draine also served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a flight nurse aboard C-130 aircraft, in field hospitals (ASTS), and on the Critical Care Aeromedical Transport Team (CCATT). She worked as a Staff Assistance Visitor (SAV), helping with inspection preparation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Draine has taught nearly every theory and clinical area of nursing and has been an affiliate faculty member with Colorado Christian University (CCU) since 2016. Being hired full-time at CCU was an unexpected blessing. She also serves as a guest lecturer in the MSN program at Uganda Christian University.
Dr. Draine is blessed with three married stepchildren, seven beautiful step-grandchildren, and a sweet cat. She plays flute in the Highlands Ranch Concert Band. Her love for the Lord is central to her life, and she feels deeply blessed to be held by Him.
Publications
- Heinze, S., Currier, K., Draine, S., Drake, D., Hulsman, B., & Kershaw, P. (2020). Biblical insights for nursing education & practice. Kendall-Hunt.
Faith and Learning
As a faculty member, Dr. Susan Draine has embraced the privilege of pursuing a vision from God, which has become her calling—to help others do the same with love, understanding, and respect.
She believes the teaching-learning process flourishes within a trusting relationship, one built on the expectation that good things happen when each person contributes, even in small ways. Dr. Draine acknowledges that learning how to learn takes time and effort, especially in nursing, where students must be prepared to make life-and-death decisions before graduation. These decisions involve medications, symptom severity, and patient safety, even during routine procedures.
Dr. Draine emphasizes the importance of overlearning to develop accurate clinical judgment. She recognizes that some students may seek scores they have not yet earned, and she walks the fine line between extending grace and upholding the professional standards God has called faculty to maintain. Success, in her view, is achieved when students meet university standards, ensure patient safety, and enter the profession as competent members.
She finds great joy when students continue their education and fulfill their vision of becoming clinical nurses, nurse educators, nurse leaders, and nurse practitioners. Dr. Draine looks forward to continuing her contributions to this mission at Colorado Christian University.