Cheryl Caffee

Lutheran College of Health Professions – ASN – 1996

Purdue University-BSN – 1998

Ball State University – MSN – 2005

Nursing Care of the Adult I – Theory & Clinical (306)

The nursing process is used with adults and families experiencing illness. Content areas include nursing care of adults with fluid and electrolyte and acid/base imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, chronic neurological problems, urinary/genital conditions, and autoimmune disorders. Clinical experiences consist of providing holistic nursing care to adults in medical/surgical clinical areas, with emphasis on perioperative nursing.

Leadership in Nursing – NUR 409

Leadership and management principles are applied to clinical practice.  Content includes management and leadership theories, as well as knowledge of complex organizational systems.  An emphasis is placed on the role of the nursing leader as creator and manager of a culture of caring, safety, and quality.  Clinical practice component of the course will be arranged with each student and preceptor.

Pharmacology – NUR 305

The nursing process is applied in the administration of medications. Content includes
counseling patients on safe and effective medication regimens and the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drug categories. Calculation of medication dosages will be required. Legal and ethical considerations of administering medications will be considered within the nurse’s scope of practice.

I was born and raised in Adams County, IN and grew up on a farm.   I went to Lutheran College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne, IN – I was a student the same time that Vicky Kirkton was a professor and Dean of the Department of Nursing.  I received my ASN (Associate’s Degree) and passed my boards Dec 1996 and started my first RN job at a nursing home in Lafayette, IN.  I completed my BSN at Purdue University in 1998 and enjoyed working at Home Hospital – cardiac and oncology floor.

I married my 4-H sweetheart – Joe Caffee Dec of 1997.  Upon his graduation from Purdue we relocated to Richmond, IN for his teaching job and I worked for Reid Memorial in the home care department.  I worked with both home care and hospice patients.  I started my MSN through Ball State’s online program.

A job opportunity came up back in Adams County for my husband and at the same time a wonderful career advancement for me at Adams Memorial Hospital.  I was asked to be the Manager on the Med/Surg floor.  I enjoyed leadership and the opportunity to continue hands on care.

As my career continued to advance and I finished my MSN, my heart as a Mom of 2 little girls (at the time age 2 and 11 months) decided to give up my career path and seek an opportunity to allow me to stay at home more.  I resigned from management and accepted a position in the outpatient oncology unit where I worked one day a week.

Over the next 8 years my hours continued at the oncology unit and we added a little boy to our family.  I also volunteered and led mom’s groups and even spent an interim position (18 months) at First Missionary Church in Berne as their Children’s Director.

Joe’s desire for leadership led him to apply for the CEO/President position at First State Bank in Middlebury.  With my youngest heading to kindergarten at the time I also felt the desire to search for a position for myself.  I love teaching, education and displaying my passion for caring and was very excited to find a open position at Goshen College.  So in 2014 – we were faced with – new jobs, new community, new home, new school, and new church.

Sidenote 2024:   In December of 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic melanoma.    In March of 2023 I progressed to stage 4.  I began a new treatment with target therapy (oral medication) twice daily.  I continue to be stable on that treatment and continue with close monitoring of labs monthly and  PET Scans every 3 months.  I have found much peace and symptom management through prayer, counseling, acupuncture, meditation and massage.

You can follow my story or read more at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cherylcaffee.  Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has become very familiar to us and we are very appreciative of their expertise and care.  I hope to continue to combine my love for Christ along with this new appreciation for advances in the medical field and my personal experiences to educate and inspire future nurses.

Children:

I have 3 children.  Our daughters are at Purdue University and our son is in High School at Bethany Christian.   I serve in many volunteer parent roles.

I love sports and anything fitness.  It is a big part of my recovery and self care.  I currently coach at Bethany for the girls middle school basketball team.  If I am not in the office I may be out for a walk or on a bike ride.

Our family attends Maple City Chapel.  My faith was deepened through my cancer journey.  My favorite verse: Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.”

Last but not least – Please be safe, seek the shade and wear your sunscreen.

Guest speaker at Bethany Christian during Chapel – sharing my cancer journey.

Participated in a panel with other oncology patients for the University of Kentucky – Physical therapy program.

I am always willing to share my story for melanoma awareness, realities of the life of cancer patient/survivor and advancement of God’s Kingdom.