Cathy Penn

Cathy Penn is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Mount Mercy University since 1988. She teaches sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students in clinical specialties like adult medical surgical nursing and community nursing, currently focusing on physical assessment, nursing skills, and foundations of nursing courses.

Education:

• MA in Nursing, University of Iowa
• BS in Nursing, Mount Mercy College

Research & Clinical Expertise: Penn has extensive clinical experience in critical care, neurologic, and rehabilitation nursing, with certification in rehabilitation nursing. She specializes in evidence-based practice and improving patient safety and quality of care through interdisciplinary team leadership in hospital settings.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
• Past roles: Faculty Advisor, Treasurer, and President of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau
• Recipient of Sigma Theta Tau International's Chiron Mentorship Program selection

Leadership & Grants: Penn has served as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse manager, leading hospital initiatives to enhance care quality and safety. She actively collaborates on evidence-based nursing projects through professional mentorship programs.

Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in healthcare quality improvement initiatives.