Look and Listen

Biography

Kathleen D. Pagana has been a leader in healthcare for more than 30 years, with experiences including college teaching, administration, clinical practice, business management, writing, and professional speaking. Among the 22 books she has written, she has co-authored the number one best-selling book on healthcare diagnostic and laboratory testing. This book ("Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference," 9th ed) has sold more than 1 million copies and has been translated into French, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. She has written more than 75 articles and is a contributor to the second edition of Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul. Her newest book, "The Nurse’s Etiquette Advantage: How professional Etiquette Can Advance Your Nursing Career," helps health care professionals advance their careers by interacting confidently in clinical, business, and social settings. This book is the only book on etiquette targeted and customized to nursing. It can be described as the “missing link” between education and success in the workplace. Kathleen began her professional career in the Army Nurse Corps, where she rose to the rank of Captain and combined military protocol with clinical expertise, leadership, teamwork, and patient care. She has a BSN from the University of Maryland and a MSN from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Nursing Research, where she focused on how individuals respond to stress. She created a research instrument that is still in use around the world today. Following completion of her PhD, she became a full professor in the Department of Nursing at Lycoming College and also held positions as Department Chair, Faculty Chair, and Academic Dean. As the Academic Dean, her leadership style was often described as the combination of a broad knowledge base and strong management skills with excellent interpersonal communications. Today she continues to serve Lycoming College as Professor Emeritus, the highest rank awarded to faculty members who have advanced the college mission through meritorious teaching, scholarship, and service. Her most prestigious awards include the Army Commendation Medal, a Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, and numerous accolades recognizing her articles and books. Kathy and her husband, Tim, are the proud parents of 3 daughters. Kathy enjoys swimming, yoga, golfing, weight lifting, running, and biking. She recently began competing in triathlons. So far, she has won an award at every triathlon event due to the small number of competitors in her age group! Working today as a keynote speaker and best-selling author, her presentations, seminars, and retreats help businesses and not-for-profit organizations address the challenges of leadership, life balance, and professional etiquette.

Inspiration

My high school gave me a strong background in writing. Almost every college course I took required a term paper. I was challenged and captivated by the writing process. It was my goal to someday write a book.