Dawna L. Cato, PhD., RN

Dr. Dawna L. Cato is Vice President of Clinical Care Services for PreferUS Healthcare. In addition to this role, she is also the Lead for the Arizona State Education Practice Collaborative (EPC) to advance the Institute of Medicines Recommendations (2010) and help to implement Nurse Residency Programs. She is a member of the Education Committee to advise the Arizona State Board of Nursing and has been appointed to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Commissioner on Accreditation. 

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Dr. Cato’s teaching experience has involved a variety of courses and content in the practice and academic arena using effective modes of delivery such as; online, simulation, traditional classroom, precepting, and clinical instructor. Her background brings a full range of perspectives to nursing education and is involved in several local, state, and national organizations.

Dr. Cato has obtained her BSN and Master’s in the Science of Nursing with a specialization in Nursing
Education from Grand Canyon University. In 2013, she received her PhD with a specialization in Nursing Education from Capella University.

Dr. Cato plays an integral role in delivering the western management protocols to the PreferUS China
hospital partners. She assists in identifying U.S. hospital groups for visiting Chinese doctors, nurses
and administrators to fulfill their training requirements within the PreferUS Clinical Operation &
Management Training Program.