Rooted in Care, Driven by Purpose: The Nursing Journey of Kate Davies
Kate Davies, a resident of Lebanon County, began her journey at Cornwall Manor in November 2004 when she enrolled in the Nursing Assistant Training (CNA) program. Over the past two decades, she has worked in every level of care delivery, demonstrating a deep commitment to both professional growth and resident care.
While working as a CNA, Kate pursued further education at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center, earning her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree in 2006. She was promoted to LPN Unit Manager and served in that role from 2006 to 2012 in the Skilled Nursing Facility.
During this time, Kate continued her education at Harrisburg Area Community College, Lebanon Campus, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Nursing with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and served as president of her nursing class. After obtaining her Registered Nurse (RN) license, she gained critical care experience in the ICU at Wellspan/Good Samaritan Hospital while also working at Cornwall Manor on a casual basis from 2012 to 2013. She returned full-time in December 2013 as an RN Supervisor.
In 2016, Kate graduated from Villanova University’s School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), again achieving highest honors with a 4.0 GPA. She was inducted into both the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing International Honor Society.
In the fall of 2016, Kate began sharing her passion for learning by teaching Medical-Surgical Nursing to part-time evening Practical Nursing students at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center. In recognition of her impact, she was honored by the graduating class of 2018, who selected her as their commencement speaker. Kate continued teaching until January 2019, when the increasing demands of her role as Director of Nursing required her to step back and fully dedicate herself to her leadership responsibilities.
In October 2017, she was promoted to Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator (RNAC), and on August 9, 2018, she was named Director of Nursing (DON), succeeding Sandra Hinkle, who retired after 27 years of service.
As DON, Kate assumed administrative authority and accountability for nursing services, ensuring high standards of care, coordinating services and overseeing individualized care plans. Under her leadership, Cornwall Manor transitioned from paper Medication Administration Records (MARs) to the electronic PointClickCare system, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in medication management, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated rapidly changing regulations while working tirelessly to support residents, staff and families through unprecedented challenges. She spearheaded the development of a targeted incentive program within the nursing department, designed to address critical staffing shortages by offering enhanced compensation to staff members who filled high-need vacancies. This initiative not only improved staffing coverage but also contributed to increased morale and retention among nursing staff.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce, she introduced a flexible scheduling model for the nursing department. This option empowered staff to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities, leading to improved job satisfaction and reduced burnout.
She played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and successful launch of the Contemporary Household model—a progressive care delivery framework that reimagines traditional long-term care environments. This model emphasizes resident autonomy, personalized care and a more home-like atmosphere, significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents.
To support professional development and workforce sustainability, she created the Nursing Scholarship Aid Program. This initiative provides comprehensive financial support for employees pursuing education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), removing financial barriers and fostering internal career advancement.
In the realm of clinical operations, she led the integration of the PCC (PointClickCare) pharmacy module, enabling seamless electronic medication ordering directly to the pharmacy. This project streamlined workflows, reduced medication errors and improved overall efficiency in medication management.
Under her leadership, the Health Center has consistently demonstrated excellence in regulatory compliance. They have successfully navigated multiple Department of Health (DOH) surveys, achieving a total of nine deficiency-free outcomes: three annual surveys, two focused infection control surveys and four abbreviated (complaint-related) surveys. While abbreviated surveys are typically initiated in response to complaints, our ability to maintain a deficiency-free record in these instances underscores the strength of our operational standards and commitment to high-quality care.
Since becoming DON, Kate has continued to invest in her education and leadership development. Between 2020 and 2021, she completed 16 courses (120 hours) through Penn State-Abington in Nursing Home Administration, covering all aspects of long-term care, including strategic planning, long-term care, regulations, reimbursements and dietary services. She was approved by the state board to take the three required exams—line of service, the Pennsylvania-specific exam and the national core knowledge exam—and officially earned her Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) license on February 6, 2025.
In September 2024, she also achieved her Certified Nursing Director of Long Term Care (CNDLTC) certification, recognizing her expertise in care quality, staff management and regulatory compliance in long-term care settings.
In August 2024, Kate was accepted into LeadingAge PA’s prestigious Fellows in Leadership program, a nine-month immersive experience designed to empower emerging leaders in aging services. Through this program, she developed greater self-awareness, adaptability and collaborative leadership skills. The curriculum, tailored to the evolving needs of today’s providers, offered actionable strategies and practical knowledge to address real-world challenges in senior care communities. With guidance from seasoned industry experts and mentorship from respected leaders, Kate successfully completed the program in June 2025, equipped with the tools, confidence and network to drive meaningful change in the field.
Looking ahead, Kate remains a passionate lifelong learner. She plans to continue strengthening the nursing department by leading compassionately and embracing the ever-changing environment of aging services. She intends to pursue additional licensure in personal care home and assisted living administration. She is a strong advocate for staff well-being, believing that empowered and supported staff are essential to delivering the best care to residents.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys traveling to sunny destinations with sand and blue water. She is the proud mother of Emma, a recent high school graduate preparing to attend Elizabethtown College to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy. Kate is also a devoted dog mom to two Great Danes, Eleanor and Rigby, and cherishes time spent with her loved ones.
Cornwall Manor is proud to have Kate as a vital part of our leadership team, where her dedication, compassion and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire staff and elevate the quality of care for our residents.
