Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Shifflett

Hi Christina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I’ve been a registered nurse for 11 years, gaining experience in a variety of settings. My passion for education naturally led me to explore cannabis science when I discovered universities were teaching it. In my area of Oklahoma, cannabis is sold as medicine, but there’s a lack of standardized education in dispensaries and doctors’ offices, which can pose safety risks for patients. To address this gap, I founded The Green Nurse Educator LLC, with the goal of providing cannabis education through my blog and an upcoming booklet, Medical Cannabis: Preparing for Oklahoma’s Dispensaries, set for release in September. My journey as a cannabis nurse is still evolving as I seek the most effective ways to educate others. Recently, the American Nurses Association recognized Cannabis Nursing as a specialty, which is a significant step toward legitimizing this field for myself and other nurses.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Life has certainly presented a few challenges on my journey to becoming a cannabis nurse. In 2020, just as I was accepted into a master’s program for cannabis science and preparing to start classes, my husband fell ill. He wasn’t one for doctors or hospitals, but one morning he felt unwell enough to go to the ER. A week later, he was gone. The amount of change that followed his passing is still overwhelming, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family and friends during that time. Losing a spouse brings not only a significant, sudden change but also countless smaller shifts that ripple through daily life. Despite the struggles, I remember how excited my late husband was about my studies in cannabis. His passion for cannabis education fueled my own, inspiring me to share this knowledge with others who seek it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a cannabis nurse educator based in northwest Oklahoma, dedicated to providing quality cannabis education through various channels. My primary platform is my blog, The Green Nurse Educator, and I’m always eager to collaborate with community partners to expand access to reliable cannabis information. In addition to my blog, I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of my booklet, Medical Cannabis: Preparing for Oklahoma’s Dispensaries, set to be published in September. I also offer cannabis consulting services, both in person and online.

I’m especially proud of my soon-to-be-published book—it’s been a true labor of love, and I’ve learned so much throughout the process. Marketing myself has been a new challenge, but my 11 years of nursing experience, a master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics, and the recent recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty by the ANA all help distinguish me in this evolving field.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

The key characteristics that have contributed to my success are my curiosity and my unwavering pursuit of compassion. I believe compassion is a skill that everyone should actively cultivate. While it’s often easy to show compassion, there are times when it can be more challenging, and I strive daily to find ways to be compassionate, even in difficult situations. Curiosity is another trait I value highly, as it drives me to explore all possibilities before making decisions. By approaching every situation with an open and inquisitive mind, I ensure that I’m considering all avenues and making the best choices possible. These qualities have been essential in my journey and continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.

Pricing:

• $30 for 30 minutes cannabis consulting
• $50 for 1 hour cannabis consulting

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegreennurseeducator.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_green_nurse_educator/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenNurseEducator

Image Credits

Christina Shifflett and Bram Wilens