Elizabeth Hanna’s work bridges the fields of healthcare, academia, and creative writing. A believer in the power of storytelling to heal emotional wounds and foster deeper self-understanding, Elizabeth integrates narrative into every facet of her work. In the clinic storytelling helps patients explore their inner worlds, uncover insights, and build resilience. In the classroom, writing, both academic and creative is a tool that allows her students to express themselves and process their experiences as learners and healers. In her personal life her creative writing, allows her to delve into themes of self-discovery and the human experience.
Elizabeth holds a Masters Degree in Health Policy from the LSE (it was her reach), a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health. A Professor at Westminster University, she leads the research elements of the Master’s in Nursing Practice, guiding graduate students in developing scholarly dissertations. Currently she splits her time between teaching and her clinical practice in bariatrics. She loves helping students find their voice through writing and overcome the all-too-common fear of research among nurses (all the while reassuring them that their thesis won’t, in fact, kill them).
She also hosts the podcast Imposter Syndrome, where she talks to other nurse practitioners about their stories of self-doubt, struggle, and eventual triumph or something thereabouts (airing March 2025). Her own academic writing background includes a master’s dissertation and a doctoral scholarly project as well as a handful of articles from her previous life as a researcher and food activist. She has an upcoming op-ed in The American Journal of Nursing on DEI misperceptions and its positive impact on nursing and has peer-reviewed over 22 professional articles. She has developed a reputation as a meticulous editor, empowering others to express their ideas with clarity and impact.
Elizabeth enjoyed creative writing in her youth, but put it aside in lieu of academic pursuits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined several online writing groups and began writing short stories, micro-fiction, and attempts at poetry. She is now working on longer pieces, including novels and novellas..
After living in the UK for over a decade, Elizabeth found her way back to Salt Lake City (via Fairbanks, AK) where she now with her husband, 2 daughters, 3 dogs, 3 ducks, and a cat that rules them all.
