Trailblazer Spotlight: Dr. Catherine Nadeau, assistant professor

“Think about the big picture – the why. Why do you want to be a nurse?”

Dr. Catherine Nadeau asks students to think of their “why” and keep it at the forefront of their mind. It will serve as a reminder to push forward.

“Let your ‘why’ fuel those long hours of studying and let it re-affirm your commitment to the profession,” Nadeau said. That’s one of her “pearls of wisdom” that’s helped her throughout her own journey.

“Nursing school is very challenging at any level, so remind yourself why you chose to be here.”

Nadeau started her academic journey in 2005 at the Rochester Institute of Technology. There, she received her Bachelor in Science in Biotechnology. In 2011, she received her Bachelor’s in Nursing from St. John Fisher College and started working in an intensive care unit for five years. Later, she started at University of Miami (UM), where she achieved both her Master’s in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice while teaching at UM and working as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at a private practice OB/GYN.

In 2020, she started at the USF Health College of Nursing as an assistant professor,  teaching graduate nurse practitioner students. Nadeau says obtaining a ranked faculty position has been her biggest professional accomplishment.

Her courses focus on reproductive health and pharmacology. She also coordinates clinical rotations for FNP students and will soon teach family special topics. Right now, she is working with other graduate faculty on developing additional scholarship and educational opportunities for students.

Only a year after starting at the college, Nadeau was honored with the Rising Star Faculty Award for her immediate efforts and dedication.

“Having my hard work recognized by my peers was a massive compliment. Moving to Tampa and starting at USF in a new role mid-pandemic was very challenging,” she said. She feels the award was not only a recognition of her hard work, but her acceptance into the college as well.

Nadeau plans to continue to grow and is currently “pursuing many passions within nursing and education.” That is all a part of another one of her pearls of wisdom: practicing gratitude.

“The opportunity you have to pursue your education is not afforded to many. Pursue opportunities and be grateful to be in the position you are today to impact not only your life, but also the lives of many others.”

Story by Cassidy Delamarter