“8 Questions” is a Gold Foundation series spotlighting members of the Gold community – doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals of all kinds, students, corporate and hospital leaders, patients, family members, Trustees, staff members, and supporters.
UMSV Nursing Dean Catherine Healy Sharbaugh
We are delighted to introduce you to Catherine Healy Sharbaugh, DNP, FNP, GNP-BC, FNYAM, FRCSI, Dean of the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV)’s St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. UMSV is based in Riverdale, New York, with more than 600 students across traditional undergraduate nursing, accelerated second-degree nursing program, and a master’s of science in nursing program. UMSV’s St. Joseph’s School of Nursing was the first nursing school to join the newly expanded Gold Partners Council.
Here are 8 questions posed to Dean Sharbaugh — and her answers.
What drew you to nursing?
When I was a teenager, my mother had many nurse friends. One summer, I was fortunate to volunteer with one of them, a public health nurse who visited patients’ homes throughout the New York City area. She taught me about the importance of ongoing healthcare and preventative services for older people with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and wound care. I learned how to take blood pressures and good hygiene practices. It sparked my interest in nursing. In my senior year of high school, I applied to nursing schools and got into my dream school, Villanova.
The Gold Foundation defines humanism in healthcare as clinically excellent care that is kind, safe, and trustworthy. Why does it matter to you?
Humanism in healthcare matters to me as a nurse because without truly seeing the human in front of you and their challenging health issues, whether minor or big, it can be scary for the patient and/or family. I believe a highly qualified and skilled nurse can provide comfort to a hospitalized patient in a time of overwhelming medical procedures with a simple, trustworthy explanation that can ease anxiety or perhaps predict and thus avoid possible hazards in an effort to keep patients safe.
UMSV School of Nursing leadership
Why did your school decide to join the Gold Partners Council?
UMSV’s St. Joseph’s School of Nursing joined the Gold Partners Council because the Gold Foundation’s mission aligns with our founding mission from 1847 by the Sisters of Charity of New York. They focused on education and nursing and were dedicated in particular to the service of the poor. For over 200 years, the congregation’s traditional ministries have been in education, healthcare, and childcare.
Our motto is “Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge.”
What makes UMSV’s St. Joseph’s School of Nursing special?
Our university is a designated Hispanic-serving Institution that truly lives the mission of authentic inclusivity with a commitment to human dignity, to each other, and to our common humanity. St. Joseph’s School of Nursing stands out for its commitment to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational experience for our nursing students. The school’s history and mission reflect its long-standing dedication to preparing individuals for the nursing profession, with a focus on community needs and personal and professional growth
Nursing students at University of Mount Saint Vincent in fall 2025
What advice would you give nursing students?
Healthcare can be challenging, and my advice for nursing students is to be open to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try a new area of expertise. If one specialty is not your path, try another. As nurses, we are always learning — our careers require continuous education. I started my career in a big city hospital on a cardiac floor, then moved to a small community recovery room, then urgent care. I continued my education to become a family nurse practitioner, then a nurse educator and now a Dean of Nursing. A career in nursing offers so many exciting opportunities.
Tell us about one of the human-centered programs at your school.
The Sisters of Charity have had a mission in Quiche, Guatemala since 1971, an effort to expand far past the streets of New York City and into one of our globe’s most impoverished nations. After a long pause due to Covid, UMSV St. Joseph’s School of Nursing had a mission trip this May. Prior to arriving in Guatemala, the student nurses prepared health education materials and lessons on some of the leading causes of death: heart disease, diabetes, infections, poor nutrition, road injuries, and choking. Sadly, the estimated life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared with 78.5 years in the United States. Emergency medical care is hours away for many in the rural areas.
We didn’t travel to Guatemala to be saviors. We came to bring hope. We listened deeply to the needs to the Guatemalan people, and we taught them — and they taught us. Yes, we brought medical supplies with us, and we provided exams in the clinics. But — more importantly — we provided education. We taught the Heimlich maneuver, CPR, and first aid. These are skills that many of us take for granted, especially with cells phones to quickly dial 911 in our pockets. By sharing these skills with the Guatemalan people, they are able to teach their family and friends, which will start a chain-reaction of deeper care and knowledge. I was so proud of my nursing students respectfully educating in Spanish and providing humanistic care to the community.
What is one small way you bring humanism to your daily life?
I believe a simple way to bring humanism to your daily life is to reflect on your blessings and be thankful for your education and ability to help others. Not everyone has that skill set and knowledge to be a professional registered nurse. It is a true gift to be able to help others in need.
What is your happy place and why?
I’m happiest when I’m with my family, whether it’s enjoying a meal, walking the family dog, or going to my family’s farm in Ireland. I love being with nature — it’s my peaceful escape and happy place.
Thank you, Dean Sharbaugh! Read more interviews in the “8 Questions” series.
Learn more about the Gold Partners Council. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to Judith Friedland at jfriedland@gold-foundation.org.
