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Sally Norton, PhD, RN, FNAP, FPCN, FAAN

  • Senior Associate Dean for Research
  • Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing and Palliative Care
  • Professor
  • PhD Oversight

Education

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Sponsor: Virginia P. Tilden, DNSc, RN, FAAN, School of Nursing & Program of Research on Ethics and End-of-Life Care, 2001. Oregon Health & Science University. Portland, OR
  • Research training in Developing nurse scientists, co-sponsored by the National Institute for Nursing Research and National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Nursing Department, 2000. None
  • Summer Seminar in Research Ethics, 2000. University of Washington
  • Ph.D. in Nursing, 1999. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, WI
  • Masters in Nursing, 1994. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, WI
  • BS in Nursing, 1983. University of Iowa. Iowa City, IA

Bio

Sally Norton is dedicated to improving the care of patients with advanced illness. Her well-established program of research is focused on palliative care and end-of-life decision-making with emphases on the communication processes and practice patterns of care delivery in acute and long-term care settings.

A nationally recognized expert in palliative care research and qualitative and mixed-method research designs, she has worked successfully across professions to improve communication and understanding surrounding systems of palliative care and hospice delivery, and to pinpoint the approaches most meaningful to patients and families that lead to the highest quality outcomes.

Norton is a fellow of the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association (HPNA) and the American Academy of Nursing. She also serves as a co-director of research for the Division of Palliative Care in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester and holds a secondary appointment in the School of Medicine and Dentistry. She was honored with the Distinguished Researcher Award from the HPNA in 2017, and was named Palliative Care Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes in 2013, and a Distinguished Practitioner by the National Academies of Practice in 2006.


Professional Experience

Senior Associate Dean for Research,
University of Rochester School of Nursing. 2024 - Current

Professor,
University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, US. 2019 - Current

Professor,
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry (Department of Medicine and Palliative Care), Rochester, NY, US. 2019 - Current

Associate Dean for Research,
University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, US. 2019 - 2024

Associate Professor (Secondary),
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Medical Humanities and Family Medicine), Rochester, NY. 2008 - 2019

Associate Professor,
University of Rochester Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging (Palliative care, communication, ethics, end-of-life decision making), Rochester, NY. 2008 - 2019

Co-Director,
Center for Ethics, Humanities, and Palliative Care, University of Rochester Medical Center (Research and Performance Improvement), Rochester, NY, US. 2003 - 2018

Associate Professor Family Medicine (Secondary),
UR School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, US. 2010 - 2017

Assistant Professor (Secondary),
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Medical Humanities), Rochester, NY, US. 2003 - 2008

Assistant Professor,
Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, University of Rochester School of Nursing (Aging), Rochester, NY, US. 2001 - 2008

Awards

Distinguished Nurse Researcher
Center for Nursing Excellence for ANA-NY, 2024

Distinguished Alumni
University of Iowa School of Nursing, 2021

Distinguished Researcher Award
Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association, 2017

Featured Nurse Leader
American Academy of Nursing, 2017

Independence Chair in Nursing and Palliative Care
Independence Foundation, 2014

The Palliative Care Nurse of the Year
March of Dimes, 2013

The Jeremy A. Klainer Endowed Dean's Award in Nursing
University of Rochester, School of Nursing, 2012

Fellow
American Academy of Nursing, 2012

Professional Advancement Award
University of Rochester, School of Nursing, 2011

Fellow in Palliative Care Nursing
Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association , 2009

Outstanding Faculty Colleague
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2007

Distinguished Practitioner
National Academies of Practice, 2006

The Promising New Investigator Award
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2002

John A. Hartford Geriatric Nursing Research Scholar
Summer Research Institute at New York University, 2002

John A. Hartford Geriatric Nursing Research Award
Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2002

The Ada Sue Hinshaw Nurse Scholar Award
Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research, 2000

Vilas Professional Development Award
University of Wisconsin, 1999

Qualitative Section Dissertation Proposal Award of
Midwest Nursing Research Society, 1998

Charles Eckburg Dissertation Scholarship Recipient
1997

Annual Research Award
Sigma Theta Tau Beta Eta Chapter, 1997

Nursing Excellence Scholarship
American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 1992

Presentations

The effects of uncertainty and emotional distress on quality of life in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers: Testing dyadic relationship using Actor-Partner Interdependent Model
Oncology Nursing Conference Congress, 2020
San Antonio, Texas

"I have a doctor that handles all the other stuff." Perceptions of older adults about discussing age-related concerns with their oncologists.
International Society of Geriatric Oncology, 2019
Geneva, Apo / Fpo Europe, Switzerland

The prevalence and determinants of feeling completely heard and understood before and after palliative care consultation
International Conference on Communication in Healthcare Annual Research Conference, 2017
Baltimore, Maryland

Impact of nursing home palliative care teams on end-of-life outcomes: A randomized controlled trial
Academy Health Annual Meeting, 2017
New Orleans, Louisiana

Goal communication in palliative care decision-making consultations
International Conference on Communication in Healthcare, 2016
New Orleans, Louisiana

Goals of care transition in palliative care consultation
27th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2015
Washington, District Of Columbia

Making your measurements matter: The AAHPM and HPNA Measuring What Matters Project
Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2015
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The many faces of leadership in palliative care nursing
Leadership Weekend, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, 2014
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Emotional Storm Tracking: Toward the Development of a Method for Measuring Paralinguistic Expressions of Emotions
American Academy on Communication in Healthcare International Conference, 2013
Montreal, Central America

Patient and loved one's emotional expressions in palliative care decision-making consultation: A direct observation study
American Academy on Communication in Healthcare International Conference, 2013
Montreal, Central America

Patient and family members' perceptions of the role of palliative care in late-stage heart failure care
State of the Science: Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, 2011
Washington, District Of Columbia

Frequency and Characteristics of Prognosis Communication in Palliative Care Inpatient Consultations
The Science of Compassion: Future Directions in End-of-Life and Palliative Care Research, 2011
Bethesda, Maryland

Patient and family members' perceptions of the role of palliative care in late-stage heart failure care
The Science of Compassion: Future Directions in End-of-Life and Palliative Care Research, 2011
Bethesda, Maryland

The problem often is that we do not have a family spokesperson but a spokesgroup. Family member informal roles in end of life decision making in adult intensive care units.
The Science of Compassion: Future Directions in End-of-Life and Palliative Care Research, 2011
Bethesda, Maryland

The Conversation Bank Cohort: A Feasibility Study
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Annual Meeting, 2011
Vancover, Central America

Perceptions of EOL Symptom Control in Nursing Homes
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association Annual Meeting, 2009
Austin, Texas

Is Palliative Care at the End of Life Cost Saving?
Academy Health Meeting, 2008
Washington, District Of Columbia

Measuring End-of-Life Care Processes in Nursing Homes.
Academy Health Meeting, 2008
Washington, District Of Columbia

I want to die in my dream home: Home Terminal Extubations
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine/Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association Annual Meeting, 2007
Salt Lake City, Utah

What bothers you the most? Initial responses from patients receiving palliative care.
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine/Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association Annual Meeting, 2007
Salt Lake City, Utah

Proactive Palliative Care Consultation in the Medical ICU: A Model for Nurse Managers
University of Rochester, 2006
Rochester, New York

They're Not Ready Yet: Time and Timing in End of Life Decision Making
Annual Meeting, American Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association, 2006
Nashville, Tennessee

Proactive Palliative Care in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Annual Meeting, American Association of Hospice and Palliative Car, 2006
Nashville, Tennessee

Proactive Palliative Care Consultation in the Medical ICU
University of Rochester Medical Center Palliative Care Rounds, University of Rochester, 2006
Rochester, New York

ICU Cultural Environments and End-of-Life Decision Making
Annual Meeting, Gerontological Society of America, 2005
Orlando, Florida

What Bothers You Most? Responses From Patients Receiving Palliative Care Consultation
Annual Meeting, American Geriatrics Society, 2005
Orlando, Florida

Limitation of Treatment Decision Making in the ICU: An Ethnographic Study
Annual Meeting, National Congress for the State of the Science, 2004
Washington, District Of Columbia

Integrating Performance Improvement and Research into a Palliative Care Clinical Consultation Service: Challenges and Opportunities
Management and Leadership Conference, National Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2004
Washington, District Of Columbia

Palliative Care in the ICU: The IHI Project, with Robert Holloway, M.D. and Expert Clinical Panel
University of Rochester Medical Center Biopsychosocial Rounds, University of Rochester, 2004
Rochester, New York

Palliative Care Consultations: 2 Years and Counting with Timothy Quill, M.D. and Jeffrey Allen, M.D.
Biopsychosocial Rounds, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2004
Rochester, New York

ICU Culture and Family Meetings for Older Adults Near the End of Life
Annual Meeting, Gerontological Society of America, 2003
San Diego, California

Working With People Near the End of Life
United Methodist Church, 2003
Bergen, New York

Nursing Homes, Ethics, and Life Sustaining Treatment Limitation
University of Rochester Interdisciplinary Clinical Ethics Rounds, University of Rochester, 2003
Rochester, New York

Family Meetings: Culture, Structure and Function in Three ICU Settings
Annual Conference, Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2003
New Haven, Connecticut

Palliative Care in Acute Care Settings: New Horizons
University of Rochester School of Nursing Research Forum, University of Rochester, 2002
Rochester, New York

Values, Policy and Political Action
12th Annual Conference, International Critical and Feminist Perspectives in Nursing, 2002
Portland, Maine

The Symbolic Representation of Nursing Homes in Decisions to Limit Life-Sustaining Treatment Near the End of Life
55th Annual Scientific Meeting, Gerontological Society of America, 2002
Boston, Massachusetts

Shared Decision-Making Near the End of Life: Family Members' Perspectives
14th Annual Scientific Sessions, Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2002
Pennsylvania

Facilitating Decision-Making Near the End of Life: A Systematic Review of End of Life Decision-Making in Long Term Care
3rd Annual Conference, Evidence-Based Practice, 2001
Rochester, New York

Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
Presentation with Margaret M. Carley, RN, JD, Porthaven Care Center, 2001
Portland, Oregon

Provider Comfort and Experience: Two Conditions of End-of-Life Care Planning
Annual Meeting, American Public Health Association, 2000
Boston, Massachusetts

The Role of Clinical Ethics Consult Services
Presentation, Oregon Health Sciences University, 2000
Portland, Oregon

Building on a Legacy of Excellence in Nursing Research
33rd Annual Communicating Nursing Research Conference, WIN Assembly, 2000
Denver, Colorado

Negotiating End-of-Life Decisions: A Grounded Theory Study
Annual Meeting, Midwest Nursing Research Society, 2000
Dearborn, Michigan

Ethics and End-of-Life Issues for Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Trial Conference, Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, 2000
Tualatin, Oregon

Reconciling Decisions Near the End of Life: A Grounded Theory Study
Annual Meeting, Midwest Nursing Research Society, 1999
Indianapolis, Indiana

DNR and Advance Directives: Legal and Ethical Issues
Ethics Symposium, Eldercare, 1999
Madison, Wisconsin

Negotiating Decisions Near the End of Life
Pain and Palliative Care Conference, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, 1999
Madison, Wisconsin

Trauma Ethics
Trauma Course, Emergency Nurses Association, 1998
Madison, Wisconsin

Patient Perceptions of Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesics
Research Day, Beta Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, 1998
Madison, Wisconsin

Reconciling Choices and Goals Near the End of Life
Annual Meeting, Midwest Nursing Research Society, 1998
Columbus, Ohio

Negotiating Decisions Near the End of Life
Annual Meeting, Wisconsin Nurses Association, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Ethical and Professional Practice Issues and Trends
Nursing Informatics Partnership Conference, Midwest Alliance in Nursing, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Perceptions and Use of Advance Directives Near the End of Life
Annual Research Day, Beta Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Searching for an Explanation of Patient Satisfaction with Pain Management
21st Annual Scientific Meeting, American Pain Society, 1997
Chicago, Illinois

Nurses Perceptions and Use of Advance Directives
Research Colloquium, University of Wisconsin School of Nursing, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Nursing Ethics at the Bedside
Edgewood College, 1997
Madison, Wisconsin

Ethical Decision Making for Nurses
Outreach and Continuing Education in Nursing Audiotape Series, University of Wisconsin, 1996
Madison, Wisconsin

Exploring Dependency: Ethical and Political Consequences for Chronically Ill Persons
School of Nursing Research Colloquium, University of Wisconsin, 1996
Madison, Wisconsin

Issues in Knowledge Development in Nursing
School of Nursing Research Colloquium, University of Wisconsin, 1996
Madison, Wisconsin

End-of-Life Decision Making and Dependency: A Grounded Theory Study
International Images of Health Conference, University of Ballarat, 1996
Victoria, Austria

Multi-System Organ Failure: A Case Study
University of Wisconsin, School of Nursing, 1994
Madison, Wisconsin

Caring for Patients with Liver Disease; A Case Study
University of Wisconsin, School of Nursing, 1994
Madison, Wisconsin

Multi-System Organ Failure: A Case Study
University of Wisconsin, School of Nursing, 1994
Madison, Wisconsin

Caring for Patients with Liver Disease; A Case Study
University of Wisconsin, School of Nursing, 1994
Madison, Wisconsin

An Ethic of Care
The Challenge of Ethical Decision Making Conference, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 1992
Madison, Wisconsin

Psycho-Social Implications for the Critically Ill Patient and Family
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 1992
Madison, Wisconsin

Advanced Directives and Ethics in the Critical Care Arena
Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 1992
Madison, Wisconsin

Precepting Students and Staff
Introductory Preceptor Workshop, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 1992
Madison, Wisconsin

Publications

  • Flannery, M.A., Mohile, S. G., Culakova, E., Norton, S., Kamen, C., Dionne-Odom, J.N., DiGiovanni, G., Griggs, L., Bradley, T., Judith O. Hopkins, J. O., Liu, J. J., & Loh, K. P. (2022). Completion of Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaires Among Older Adults with Advanced Cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. PMID: 34371137 PMCID: PMC8816807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.032

  • Schmitt, M. H., Baggs, J. G., Lamb, G., Norton, S. (2013). Issues in Achieving Role Competencies for Interprofessional Practice. Journal of Interprofessional Care.

  • Gramling, R., Norton, S. A., Ladwig, S., Metzger, M., DeLuca, J., Gramling, D., Schatz, D., Epstein, R., Quill, T., & Alexander, S. (2013). Direct Observation of Prognosis Communication in Palliative Care: A Descriptive Study. JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT. DOI: 10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2012.02.004

  • Lowey, S., Norton, S. A., Quinn, J. A., & Quill, T. E (2013). Living with advanced heart failure or COPD: Experiences and goals of individuals nearing the end of life. Research in Nursing and Health. DOI: 10.1002/NUR.21546

  • Trimbur, M. C., Quill, T., & Norton, S. (2013). Perspectives on Suffering in the Primary Care Setting. . Journal of General Internal Medicine.

  • Norton, S. A., Metzger, M., DeLuca, J., Quill, T., Alexander, S., & Gramling, R. (2013). Palliative Care Communication: Linking Patients' Prognoses, Values, and Goals of Care. Research in Nursing & Health. DOI: 10.1002/NUR.21563

  • Gramling, R., Norton, S., Ladwig, S., Metzger, M., Winters, P., Quill, T., & Alexander, S. (2013). Latent Classes of Prognosis Conversations in Palliative Care: A Mixed-Methods Study. Journal of Palliative Medicine. PMID: 23659459 PMCID: PMC3667419 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2012.0381

Projects
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