We believe that the heart of exceptional care often begins with a deeply personal experience. For Compassus Vice President of Clinical Operations Cheryse Wodecki of Brentwood, TN, that moment came at just 15 years old during a hospital stay far from home. It was then she realized the kind of nurse she wanted to be—one who makes patients feel safe, especially when loved ones can’t be near. That early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to compassionate care and ultimately led her to a leadership role shaping the future of hospice and palliative services across our organization.
Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?
A: I was raised on a farm in Montana as one of ten children. At age 15, I experienced a ruptured appendix that required emergency surgery at a hospital 75 miles from home. During my three-week recovery, my mother visited me daily but couldn’t stay overnight due to responsibilities with my siblings. I vividly remember how some of the evening nurses were abrupt, and I found myself thinking, “When I grow up, I want to be a nurse who makes children feel safe and cared for—especially when their parents can’t be there.” That experience became the catalyst for my decision to pursue nursing immediately after high school, and it led me to begin my career in pediatrics.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career that led you to hospice care?
A: Early in my career, I set a personal goal to become a healthcare leader with experience spanning the entire continuum of care—from birth through end-of-life—by the age of 50. I purposefully sought opportunities in different service lines, ultimately serving as a Chief Nursing Officer in an acute care setting. At age 48, I realized I had not yet worked in end-of-life care. Around that time, the Director of Clinical Services at Compassus applied for a case manager position at my hospital. I saw a unique opportunity: by hiring her, her position at Compassus would be posted. I pursued that role, allowing me to step into hospice care and fulfill both a long-standing passion and a significant professional milestone.
Q: What was a defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of Compassus?
A: One of the most rewarding and defining experiences of my time with Compassus was serving as the Executive Director for the program in Casa Grande, Arizona. I had the privilege of leading an exceptional team as we grew our census from 37 to 108 patients. Our program became the first in Compassus history to receive the Circle of Excellence Program Award, which recognizes programs that exceed all six core clinical and operational benchmarks within a year. I’m also proud to have contributed to the development of the clinical career ladder for LPNs, RNs, social workers, and therapists—creating meaningful pathways for advancement. Launching the DCS Paradise Award to honor top-performing clinical executives has also been a deeply gratifying way to recognize and celebrate clinical excellence across the organization.
Q: How does your work make a difference for patients and the teams you support?
A: As a nurse executive, my work aligns clinical excellence with strategic priorities that improve patient outcomes and enhance team engagement. Whether it’s building systems that support safe, evidence-based care, investing in leadership development, or championing quality improvement initiatives—my focus is always on creating environments where compassionate care can thrive. For patients, this means better experiences and outcomes. For our clinical teams, it means they feel valued, heard and empowered to practice at the top of their license. Ultimately, I strive to build a culture where nurses thrive—because when they do, patients benefit.
Q: What motivates you to keep going, even on the most challenging days?
A: The unwavering dedication and compassion of my team motivate me every single day. Their resilience and commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care inspire me. The personal stories of our patients and the impact our care has on families reinforce the importance and purpose of the work we do.
Q: If you could share one message about the impact of your work with the community, what would it be?
A: It is a privilege to be part of Compassus as we advance the visibility and value of hospice and palliative care as essential components of the healthcare system nationwide. My passion lies in fostering a culture where team members feel supported, empowered and connected to purpose. I find great joy in leading and championing our clinical teams as they provide compassionate, dignified care—ensuring that every individual we serve feels seen, heard and comforted during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
A: I am honored to be part of an organization that is advancing hospice and palliative care as a vital and respected component of the healthcare system. My passion and inspiration lie in fostering a work culture that empowers and supports our team members, ensuring they are equipped to deliver clinical excellence. I enjoy cheering and leading clinical teams who care for patients and families, ensuring they feel genuinely heard and supported throughout their end-of-life journey.
