University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing alumna Abby Judson, BSN, RN (BSN 2025), has found a shared calling in nursing with her mother, Assistant Professor and three-time alumna Tonya Judson, DNP, RN, NI‐BC, CNE (BSN 1997, MSN 2017, DNP 2021).
Tonya specializes in nursing informatics and works closely with Bachelor of Science in Nursing students in both classroom and clinical settings, teaching them how the integration of technology in health care enhances practice and improves patient outcomes. Her path to nursing began after being treated in the emergency room after a car accident in high school, where she saw the impact nurses can make in the lives of their patients. She worked as a patient care technician in the emergency room while in nursing school, and after graduation, took her first nursing role in the surgical intensive care unit at UAB Hospital.
Abby’s decision to follow a similar path was influenced by her mother’s career as well as some health challenges that Abby faced in middle school.
“One way she inspired me is by the way she took care of me and my family whenever we got sick.” Abby said. “She was great at being my support system during a time when I didn’t know exactly what to do, and that made me want to do the same for others.”
Tonya and Abby’s shared career has fostered a unique bond between them. As Tonya has experienced the evolution of nursing education, both as a professor and a parent, she has been able to give Abby valuable advice on navigating challenges.
“It’s been interesting having a child in the nursing program because I’ve been able to see it from both perspectives,” Tonya said. “Nursing school is still hard no matter what decade we’re in. Some of the same challenges remain, like time management and balancing clinicals, classes and studying, and I’ve tried to give her some pointers. Nursing has changed over the years, and Abby can be the one teaching me new things. It’s nice to have that connection and talk about our experiences.”
Like her mother, Abby worked as a patient care technician during nursing school. While it was difficult juggling school, work and everyday life, it also was a valuable learning experience. She is thankful to the School’s faculty for supporting her along the way and appreciates the friendships and teamwork it cultivated.
“Nursing school was a challenge, but in a good way,” Abby said. “It’s all a team effort, and I made a lot of friendships during my time in the program that will last a lifetime. We were able to lean on each other and learn and grow together.”
Tonya says Abby’s empathy is one of her defining qualities, giving her a natural ability to connect with patients and offer comfort through genuine compassion.
“I have no doubt that Abby will be excellent in her nursing journey, and I am excited to see all the lives that she will touch,” Tonya said. “Her heart for others is one quality that will make her an excellent nurse. I have seen her grow both academically and personally during her time as a student and am confident that she will continue to evolve in her nursing career.”
Abby graduated in May and now works in the surgical intensive care unit at UAB St. Vincent’s. She continues to be inspired by her mother’s example and is proud to have begun her own career.
“It means a lot to me to carry on my mom’s legacy and follow in her footsteps,” Abby said. “She’s set high expectations and has done so well in her career. I’m excited to work and get experience and hopefully become a nurse like her.”