Mandi Cafasso
Mandi’s dedication to advancing the field of nursing and shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders is nothing short of inspiring.
Since 2017, Mandi has made a remarkable impact as a faculty member in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Cincinnati. She has not only taught but mentored over 25 DNP projects, serving as both Project Chair and Project Team member. Her expertise and guidance in educating advanced practice nurses are instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare leadership.
Mandi earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2015 from Otterbein University and has applied her extensive clinical experience to her academic work. With 21 years of practice as a nurse practitioner in the Division of Endocrinology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, she has cared for patients with complex endocrine disorders, including thyroid disease, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, precocious puberty, short stature, and panhypopituitarism. Mandi’s clinical knowledge is expansive, and her work has positively impacted countless patients and families.
In her role as the current President of the Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society, Mandi continues to advance the nursing profession, advocating for best practices and standards of care in pediatric endocrinology. She is also a lead author of a book chapter on the “Management of Endocrine Disorders” in Primary Care Pediatrics for the Nurse Practitioner: A Practical Approach (Kyle, 2021), and has contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles, including in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing and The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Mandi’s commitment to healthcare policy is equally impressive. She has a passion for advocating for APRN roles and the advancement of nursing practice. She actively participates in the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) and serves as the Southwest Region Co-Director and Grassroots Advocacy Chair for OAAPN, where she works tirelessly to advocate for positive changes to Ohio’s Nurse Practice Act.
At the University of Cincinnati, Mandi serves as an Associate Professor, where she helps prepare both post-master’s and BSN students to become the next generation of leaders in healthcare through the DNP program. Her focus on educating nurses about Ohio law and rule has made her a sought-after guest lecturer at national, regional, and local organizations. She also serves as an advocate for the APRN role, working to ensure the future of nursing remains strong and well-represented.
Mandi’s impact extends beyond academia and policy. She has also served as a primary investigator for a drug trial and is an active participant in quality improvement initiatives. Whether in the classroom, advocating for change, or volunteering in the community, Mandi’s influence is far-reaching, and her contributions to the field of advanced practice nursing are immeasurable.
It is clear that Mandi Cafasso’s unwavering dedication to education, patient care, advocacy, and leadership embodies the values of the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses. Her accomplishments are a testament to her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and advocating for the betterment of healthcare.