Called to Care

Throughout her more than 30-year nursing career, Cheryl Thaxton, CERT ’13, D.N.P. ’18, has devoted herself to caring for others. From treating premature babies in a neonatal intensive care unit to providing hospice and palliative care to patients across their lifespan, Thaxton has consistently centered compassion in her work—a commitment that earned her the Spirit of GW Recent Alumni Achievement Award last year. The award recognizes graduates from the past decade for notable professional and community achievements. 

Today, Thaxton continues that mission as associate dean, professor and chair of graduate studies at the College of Nursing at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. GW Magazine sat down with her to find out more.  

Q: What was it about nursing that originally interested you? 

A: My mom was ill when I was a child with a respiratory illness, asthma. So just being able to help someone feel better, breathe better—the service aspect of nursing appealed to me, the nurturing and seeing someone progress toward being a whole person again.  

Q: You got your first nursing job right out of college at a hospital in New Jersey. How did that initial experience meet or differ from your expectations? 

A: It was an incredibly rewarding experience. I worked in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), caring for critically ill newborns, including premature infants and babies with life-threatening conditions. As a new nurse, I was fortunate to be mentored by an exceptional team of experienced nurses who taught me not only the clinical skills required to provide high-quality care but also the importance of supporting and communicating with families during some of their most challenging moments. They took me under their wing and helped me develop a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care. Caring for infants who weighed as little as 800 grams reinforced the importance of treating every patient with dignity, respect and attention to detail, regardless of their size or condition. From the very beginning of my career, I was surrounded by outstanding nursing role models whose guidance continues to influence my practice today.  

Q: How do you deal with grief, especially after losing a patient? 

A: Early in my nursing career, I was fortunate to work in an environment that encouraged reflection, debriefing and open communication. I had strong mentorship from experienced nurses and our clinical nurse educator, which gave me a safe space to ask questions, process challenging experiences and continue learning. My faith also plays an important role in how I approach my work. It guides my values of integrity, honesty and compassion, and helps me remain grounded during stressful situations. I strive to demonstrate those values through my actions and interactions with patients, families and colleagues every day.  

Q: What drew you to hospice and palliative care? 

A: My perspective on health care was profoundly shaped by serving as the primary caregiver for a loved one with chronic kidney disease for nearly a decade. Experiencing the realities of long-term illness firsthand—including the physical, emotional and practical challenges it brought to our family—gave me a much deeper appreciation for what patients and caregivers navigate every day. While I initially envisioned spending my career exclusively in critical care, this experience broadened my perspective and deepened my interest in supporting patients facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. It helped me recognize the importance of not only extending life when possible but also focusing on quality of life, symptom management and compassionate support for both patients and their families. That personal experience continues to influence my approach to care and reinforces my commitment to treating each patient with empathy, dignity and respect.  

Q: What are one or two of the most important characteristics for nurses to possess?

A: I would say integrity is one of my core values because it builds trust—the foundation of strong relationships, effective teamwork and leadership. I believe in valuing both my own perspective and the perspectives of others, which requires emotional intelligence, active listening and mutual respect. I also place a high value on curiosity. Remaining curious creates opportunities for continuous growth, encourages learning and helps me better understand and appreciate diverse experiences, perspectives and approaches. Together, these qualities enable me to collaborate effectively, adapt to change and build meaningful connections with others.  

Q: How did your time at GW impact your career?

A: Earning my post-master’s certificate and doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree from GW gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges, pursue continuous learning and step into leadership roles. I was fortunate to learn from exceptional faculty mentors who invested in my growth and continue to stay connected even today. The relationships I built with both professors and classmates have become lasting professional connections. The program strengthened my expertise in evidence-based practice and the science of nursing, while also enhancing my ability to lead change and improve patient outcomes. Completing my D.N.P. at GW left me feeling empowered to take on complex challenges, drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in health care.  

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that the nursing profession is facing today?

A: Burnout, which is closely tied to workforce shortages and staffing pressures. Health care can be demanding, and without adequate support, nurses may struggle to maintain their well-being while providing high-quality patient care. I believe leaders play a critical role in addressing burnout by getting to know their team members as individuals, demonstrating emotional intelligence and creating a supportive work environment where people feel valued and heard. Promoting well-being requires both organizational support and personal accountability. Practices such as maintaining healthy boundaries, prioritizing self-care, staying physically active and nurturing personal relationships can help build resilience. Ultimately, fostering a culture of connection, support and genuine engagement is essential to sustaining a healthy and effective nursing workforce.  

Q: Why is it so important to invest in the nursing workforce?

A: Nursing touches every person at some point in their life, which is why investing in and strengthening the nursing workforce is so important. As health care needs continue to grow, we must ensure that nurses have the support, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in the profession. Building workforce capacity is not just about recruiting new nurses—it is also about retaining and supporting the nurses we already have. Prioritizing nurse well-being, professional development and healthy work environments is essential to sustaining the profession and ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care. Encouragingly, there is strong interest in nursing among the next generation, including my own daughter who is pursuing a career in nursing. That gives me great optimism for the future of the profession.