In celebration of Nurses Month, we’re proud to spotlight Cassie Schofield, Compassus Specialist of Clinical Education and Workforce Effectiveness in Brentwood, TN. In this What’s Your Why? feature, Cassie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the heart and purpose that nurses bring to every role—whether at the bedside or behind the scenes. Her story reflects the deep compassion, dedication and innovation that define nursing at Compassus. Cassie shares the personal experiences and values that fuel her passion for hospice care and supporting clinicians across the country.
Q: How does being part of this team (Compassus) contribute to your sense of purpose or direction?
A: I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to be a hospice nurse after witnessing the compassion shown to my mom and our family during her time on hospice services. Being part of Compassus, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with the most compassionate people every single day.
Q: How has working here helped you grow or develop, personally or professionally?
A: I have spent all but one year of my nursing career at Compassus. I have had many different roles in the field and as a leader. Working here has given me opportunities to be involved in things that I would have never imagined I could assist with as a nurse.
Q: What personal values drive you in your role, and how does your work align with those values?
A: Autonomy. Because of the innovation at Compassus, it has created a workplace of autonomy. For example, in the Hospice Clinical Education world, each of our team members has contributed and built our onboarding program from the ground up, each adding value in their own way.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career that led you to hospice / home health care?
A: My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bile Duct Cancer when I was 10 years old. At diagnosis, her prognosis was only six months at best. Hospice was able to provide care to my mom in her home surrounded by her family and friends where she felt most comfortable. I knew from then on that hospice is the field I would like to go into. Fast forward to my first nursing position after graduating nursing school, I worked on a Cardiac Intervention Unit. I had my first patient code and pass in the hospital. I knew at that moment that I needed to get back to caring for people in that fragile moment in a peaceful manner at their homes, without a crash cart and compressions.
Q: What was a defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of your team / Compassus?
A: I’ve worked with the Clinical Education team for the last year. The most defining moment that has made me feel proud to be part of this team is reading the feedback from all the onboarding attendees and new joint venture team members. I’m proud that we have created this support for our teams in the field and are able to provide a stable foundation for people to grow in their careers.
Q: How do you feel your work makes a difference for the people we service or the team around you?
A: Our work makes a difference in supporting clinicians whether it be one-on-one meetings to strengthen clinical practices, creating support documents for our team in the field or leadership. We aim to make their jobs easier so that they can care for the people who need it most.
Q: What motivates you to keep coming back, even on challenging days?
A: The team atmosphere at Compassus motivates me. I know I can reach out to any of my team members, and they are always willing to lend a hand. Even reaching out to team members who are no longer in the same region or roles as when I worked with them. Everyone is always willing to help.
Q: If you could share one thing about the impact of your work with the community, what would it be?
A: Hospice education provides the clinicians with the tools to provide quality care safely and efficiently.
Q: What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction or fulfillment? Why?
A: Seeing clinicians succeed in their role. I enjoy seeing Directors of Clinical Services who have gone through leadership onboarding win the Paradise Award or seeing all the good that is shared during our Care for Who I Am moments from team members who have started in our onboarding program.
