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.

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.   God has been very faithful to us in this transition and for that I am thankful.

Side note:  I enjoy running, biking, cross-country skiing and stand up paddle boarding!  I love sports and am rather competitive.  I have found a love in coaching and sharing my passion for increasing girls self-confidence and life skills through competition.   I am the head coach for the Varsity girls basketball team at Clinton Christian.   I love my quiet time with God and enjoying nature as well as spending time on the farm with my husband and kids.

Maple City Chapel – Lead kid’s worship

Clinton Christian School – Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, CCS Board Member and chair.