Marissa Johanson, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN

Marissa Johanson, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, is a highly experienced critical care and flight nurse with over 45 years of nursing experience spanning emergency medicine, intensive care, and air medical transport. Based in McKinleyville, California, she has dedicated more than two decades of her career to helicopter EMS and critical care transport, working with organizations such as REACH Air Medical Services and PHI Air Medical. Her career reflects a deep commitment to high-acuity patient care, rapid decision-making, and delivering life-saving interventions in some of the most challenging environments in healthcare.
Throughout her career, Marissa has also served in emergency departments and critical care settings, including roles at facilities such as St. Joseph Health. She holds advanced certifications including Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), and Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), underscoring her expertise across multiple specialties. In addition to her clinical work, she is a Licensed Purpose Factor Facilitator through The Purpose Factor®, where she provides training in purpose discovery, leadership development, and decision-making frameworks for individuals and healthcare teams.
Beyond her clinical and educational roles, Marissa is a published author and inspirational speaker focused on resilience, grit, and effective decision-making under pressure. She is the founder of Wise Life Strategies, where she helps individuals and organizations strengthen complex decision-making skills through education and structured planning. Drawing on decades of experience in emergency and flight nursing, she emphasizes courage, clarity, and composure in high-stakes situations. Marissa’s work is driven by a passion for mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and helping people build confidence and resilience both inside and outside of healthcare.

• College of the Redwoods RN

• CCRN
• CEN
• CFRN

• AACN
• ASTNA

Author of 'Decide, Your Simple System for Getting It Right the First Time,' available on Amazon. The book unpacks the decision-making frameworks used in healthcare and medicine and makes them accessible for anyone to use, whether clinical or not. It encompasses decision-making, planning and executing decisions, and evaluating effectiveness - a comprehensive framework. The book is designed for a wide audience, including young people making decisions about life and career, helping them align their decisions with their hopes and values. Marissa worked with a ghostwriter to complete the book efficiently.