Joshua Morehead-Nurse Practitioner

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the stories of those who dedicate their lives to patient care often remain untold. However, Justin Morehead’s journey from bank teller to aspiring nurse practitioner stands out not only for its career pivot but also for the personal calling and sense of purpose that drives him forward.

For Morehead, the dream of becoming a nurse started at a young age. “Since I was a kid, I desired to be a nurse,” he recalls. As a child, he would accompany his grandmother to work, observing the compassionate care provided by nurses. Yet, without a Black male role model in the profession to guide him, his career path initially veered into banking and business.

“I worked as a bank teller and eventually became a lead teller,” Morehead explains. “I liked it and could see myself advancing, but nursing was always in the back of my mind.”
A fateful encounter with a friend now a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) became the turning point in Morehead’s story. “He told me nursing isn’t just for women it’s for anyone with compassion and care for others.” Inspired and encouraged, Morehead made the bold decision to change his major and follow his calling.

In 2017, Morehead graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), earning his Associate Degree in Nursing in 2020 and later his Bachelor’s degree. Now, as a Registered Nurse (RN) with several years of experience, he’s pursuing his Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner a journey rooted in faith, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Faith, Mentorship, and Challenges
The path has not always been smooth. As a young Black male nurse in Louisiana, Morehead has faced challenges both subtle and overt. “Shreveport is more progressive than my hometown of Monroe, but inclusion and acceptance can still be a challenge,” he admits.

Travel nursing opened Morehead’s eyes to a broader healthcare landscape, where he felt welcomed and valued in places like Seattle, New Orleans, and Dallas. These experiences highlighted the importance of inclusion and representation, particularly for Black men in medicine.

“To navigate these challenges, I rely on prayer and my mentors,” Morehead says. “Having mentors who have walked the path before me people with DNPs, PhDs, and decades of experience has been invaluable. When I’m unsure about my next steps, I seek their guidance.”Advocating for Health Equity and Education Morehead’s commitment to healthcare goes beyond treating patients. His vision is rooted in improving health outcomes for Black communities in Shreveport and beyond. "My goal is to stress the importance of taking care of our bodies our temples especially within the Black community,” he emphasizes. Chronic illnesses disproportionately affect African Americans, and Morehead believes education and advocacy are critical components in closing that gap. “Too many of our people only seek medical care when something is wrong,” Morehead explains. “Preventive care is key getting regular checkups, building relationships with trusted providers, and becoming informed advocates for their own health.”

This sense of advocacy extends to the hospital setting, where Morehead encourages patients to speak up, ask questions, and demand high-quality care. As a future nurse practitioner, he hopes to bridge gaps in understanding between providers and patients, fostering trust through empathy, cultural competence, and patient-centered care.

Mentoring the Next Generation
Morehead also feels a deep responsibility to mentor the next generation of Black men interested in healthcare careers. Reflecting on his own journey, he notes the absence of Black male role models in nursing when he was growing up. “I didn’t have anyone to guide me,” he says. “That’s why mentorship is so important to me.” He envisions mentoring young men and students, encouraging them to pursue nursing careers and showing them that compassionate, competent care knows no gender. “We are desperately needed in healthcare,” he says. “Representation matters for our patients and for the future of the profession.”

Breaking Down Barriers of Mistrust

Working primarily with elderly patients, Morehead recognizes the deep mistrust many African Americans have toward the healthcare system a mistrust rooted in historical injustices and lived experiences. He believes that education and genuine care can help rebuild that trust. "I show my patients that I care,” he says. “I advocate for them all my patients but especially for African American patients. They need to know they have rights, that they can ask questions, and that they deserve respect and high-quality care.” Morehead stresses the importance of preventive care and the value of establishing long-term relationships with providers who genuinely listen and understand their concerns. “It’s about finding a provider you can trust someone who sees you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.”

A Vision for the Future

Justin Morehead’s journey from banking to bedside, from patient advocate to future nurse practitioner, is fueled by faith, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose. He embodies the values of lifelong learning, servant leadership, and cultural advocacy — all critical to addressing health disparities in communities like Shreveport.


“I want to improve the health of my community through education, advocacy, and compassionate care,” Morehead concludes. “And I want to mentor the next generation so they have the guidance I didn’t.” With mentors guiding him, faith sustaining him, and purpose driving him, Justin Morehead is poised to make a lasting impact — not only on his patients, but on the entire field of nursing.