Theresa Johnson Larson

Theresa Johnson Larson

Theresa Johnson was born and raised in the small town of Sidney, Montana. A childhood experience led her to know exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. At a young age, she was left in the care of the nursing staff at hospital 50 miles from home for a week. Her parents were unable to stay with her the entire time due to their work schedules. She felt well supported by her “new family” and received a special stuffed elephant from the caring nursing staff that she still has today.

Inspired to pursue a nursing career, Johnson earned her associate degree as an LPN from NDSCS in 1987 in Wahpeton, N.D. The small class sizes allowed her to really connect with her instructors, a few of which include Barb Diederick, Becky Torgerson and Marlys Baumann.

Larson’s entire career has been with the Sanford Medical System. She started in the medical surgical department of St. Luke’s Hospital, which was part of Meritcare Health that later merged with Sanford. Following ten years of experience, she pursued her RN degree from NDSU and later her Master of Nursing through the University of Mary.

She refers to herself as an activist – jumping in where there is a need. Johnson has worked in many areas of the profession and matured into a true leader. She has gained experience in the oncology, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, infectious disease, reproductive, ICU, PACU, pediatrics, and the NICU fields.  Through all these transitions, Larson was dedicated to learning and facing new challenges, even if they were out of her comfort zone. Theresa Larson is now the Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services for the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, N.D.

Larson started her nurse training and acting on her passion for serving others at NDSCS. Her peers and faculty supported her as she turned that passion into a successful nursing career. Her advice to others pursuing the medical field is do not to limit yourself – there so many options.