SPIRIT of Excellence Award: Advanced Practice Provider of the Year
Each year, Spirit of Excellence Awards are presented by our parent company, Amedisys, to select employees who demonstrate exceptional caregiving support to the field and display Amedisys’ core values, which include service, passion, integrity, respect, innovation and talent.
Our 2024 Advanced Practice Provider of the Year award was presented to Caitlin Lucas, FNP-C, a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner supporting our Palliative Care at Home program in Tennessee. Here are some of the wonderful things Caitlin’s colleagues said in their nominations in support of her:
We are proud to spotlight Caitlin’s achievements in this role, and we asked her to share a little more about herself and her day-to-day work as a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner.
Can you share a little about your professional background?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Saint Louis University and my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree from Tennessee State University. I have had the privilege of working in nursing for 17 years. My journey began in college as a CNA in an assisted living facility and a cardiac stepdown unit, where I continued working after graduation. I have been fortunate throughout my career to have had amazing mentors who have guided me along the way.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in travel and contract positions, floating between ICUs, the ER, med-surg units, leukemia/lymphoma care, head and neck cancer care and long-term care facilities. For the past seven years, I have worked in home palliative care with two different companies. My last role as TN Team Lead gave me the chance to step into leadership. Each step of my career has deepened my passion for patient-centered care, and I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have had to make an impact.
Can you describe your role at Contessa, and what drew you to this job?
I am a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner at Contessa, and I was drawn to the organization because of its supportive and innovative leadership, which has been dedicated to palliative care for many years. I wanted to be part of building a strong, interdisciplinary palliative care program with value-based care.
Over the past year, Contessa has supported my growth by helping me become a certified Advanced Care Planning Instructor. I had the honor of leading our team’s first training on how to facilitate those crucial goals of care conversations, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. I am grateful to be part of a team that is so committed to making a positive impact on patients’ lives and supporting one another in our shared mission.
What is your patient care philosophy?
My philosophy, at its core, is about showing up with empathy — truly seeing and understanding the pain, fears and hopes of patients and their families. Empathy is driven by connection, not our ability to fix. It’s about sitting with someone in their vulnerability, offering compassion without judgment and acknowledging the complexity of their experience.
In palliative care, we meet patients where they are, recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique. By listening deeply and responding with care, we can help alleviate suffering and provide comfort, honoring each individual’s dignity and choices. Empathy is the foundation for building trust, offering solace and fostering meaningful conversations that respect both the patient’s and their family’s needs.
Tell us about life outside of work!
My husband and I are blessed to have two wonderful daughters, ages six and two, who keep our home full of energy and joy. We also have a sweet cat and welcomed a playful lab/boxer puppy named Oreo into our family last year.
Spending time with my daughters is always the highlight of my day, especially when we are out in the garden or working on a craft or DIY project. When the weather allows, I love hiking, kayaking and biking. Last year, we took on a new adventure by buying a 1986 Scotty Camper, and it’s been such a joy taking her on family trips. The camper has quickly become the perfect blend of all my favorite things — exploring nature, making memories with my family and enjoying the simplicity of life on the road.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had a chance to yet?
Whale watching has always been on my bucket list, but I have never been in the right place at the right time to make it happen. This year, I am hoping to finally check it off the list.
What are some words of wisdom that you live by?
“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are. It requires you to BE who you are.”— Brene Brown
Thanks, Caitlin, for sharing your talents and passion for caregiving with your patients, their families and the Contessa team! We are grateful for the care and attention you and other Advanced Practice Providers like you contribute to advancing healthcare at home.