Sashanna Cato MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, ACHPN
Queens,NY
Summary
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in symptom management and patient-centered care at Calvary Hospital. Demonstrated expertise in developing personalized care plans and palliative pharmacotherapy. Committed to enhancing patient comfort through collaborative teamwork and informed decision-making. Experience mentoring healthcare professionals to foster clinical skills and confidence
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Palliative Nurse Practitioner Hospitalist
Calvary Hospital
08.2020 - Current
- Develop individualized palliative care plans for 20 to 30 hospital patients daily, utilizing evidence-based guidelines to address complex symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
- Demonstrate expertise in palliative pharmacotherapy, effectively managing distressing symptoms through targeted treatments.
- Educate patients and families on palliative care principles and advance care planning, promoting informed choices.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care coordination and holistic patient support.
- Conduct thorough assessments of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs to create tailored care plans.
- Mentor palliative care fellows and nurse practitioner students, building clinical skills and confidence in practice.
Nurse Practitioner (Per-diem)
Essen Medical Urgent Care
12.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted problem-focused health assessments, developing individualized care plans based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Diagnosed and treated non-emergent, episodic, and chronic illnesses, such as respiratory and urinary infections, cuts, sprains, COPD, HTN, and diabetes.
- Prescribed appropriate treatments, ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests—labs and x-rays—and made referrals, as indicated by the patient’s condition.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
- Utilized telehealth platforms to enhance access to care, and maintain continuity for patients.
Palliative Nurse Practitioner
Calvary Hospital
01.2017 - 08.2020
- Managed a 15-bed inpatient hospice unit, delivering acute symptom management for patients with uncontrolled symptoms.
- Utilized parenteral medications, including opioid infusions and PCA pumps, to alleviate distressing symptoms.
- Provided palliative care consultation, guiding primary care teams on pain management and psychosocial interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care coordination for patients and families.
- Facilitated communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers to clarify treatment goals.
Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse
Calvary Hospital
10.2014 - 01.2017
- Delivered comprehensive end-of-life care in home, assisted living, nursing home, and hospital settings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate holistic patient care.
- Conducted thorough assessments to develop tailored, individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on palliative care, empowering informed decision-making.
- Administered medications following evidence-based protocols for optimal symptom relief.
- Provided emotional support to facilitate coping strategies during end-of-life transitions.
- Advocated for patients' preferences and goals throughout the illness trajectory.
Registered Nurse
Bayada Home Care Health Care
01.2010 - 12.2014
- Conducted comprehensive nursing assessments for patients in home settings.
- Administered skilled nursing interventions, including wound care, tracheostomy care, ostomy care and medication management, per physician orders.
- Monitored patient progress and vital signs, documenting observations and communicating changes to healthcare team.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and families dealing with chronic illness or end-of-life issues.
Hospice Registered Nurse
Hospice Care Network
04.2011 - 08.2014
- Delivered holistic hospice care in home settings, emphasizing pain management and symptom control.
- Educated patients and families on disease progression and treatment options for informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care meeting diverse patient needs.
Registered Nurse
Bishop Mugavero Nursing Home
04.2009 - 04.2011
- Oversaw comprehensive nursing care for 36 geriatric residents, addressing physical and emotional needs with professionalism.
- Conducted detailed nursing assessments upon admission and regularly to identify health status and care requirements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans based on resident preferences.
- Administered medications and therapies according to established protocols, ensuring optimal health outcomes.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
SUNY Downstate Medical Center School of Nursing
Brooklyn, New York09-2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, NY06-2008
Skills
- Adaptability
- Patient and family education
- Advanced clinical assessment
- Collaborative teamwork
- Symptom management
- End-of-life care
Certification
- Registered Nurse within the State of New York
- Nurse Practitioner within the State of New York
- ACLS/BCLS Certified
- NPI Certified
- American Association of Nurse Practitioner
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
- DEA Certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Palliative Nurse Practitioner Hospitalist
Calvary Hospital
08.2020 - Current
Nurse Practitioner (Per-diem)
Essen Medical Urgent Care
12.2019 - 01.2021
Palliative Nurse Practitioner
Calvary Hospital
01.2017 - 08.2020
Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse
Calvary Hospital
10.2014 - 01.2017
Hospice Registered Nurse
Hospice Care Network
04.2011 - 08.2014
Registered Nurse
Bayada Home Care Health Care
01.2010 - 12.2014
Registered Nurse
Bishop Mugavero Nursing Home
04.2009 - 04.2011
Master of Science - Nursing
SUNY Downstate Medical Center School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Molloy College