Margaret Carno PhD, MBA, RN, CPNP, D,ABSM, FNAP, FAAN
What is your current position?
I hold a couple of positions. I am currently a Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Rochester, School of Nursing where I am also the director of the RN to BS completion program. I serve as the IRB board chairperson with specialization in the Oncology/HIV cooperative groups at the U of R. Finally I am a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Pediatric Sleep Medicine Services at the Golisano Children’s Hospital. I am also currently working on a Masters in Jurisprudence in Health Law. My thesis title is "The research informed consent: Who does it really protect?"
What are you passionate about in your work?
As a faculty member, seeing students come back to school and be successful when they have felt that they were too old or not smart enough for a BS degree. As an IRB chair, I make sure that all the regulations are followed and human subjects are protected to the best of the ability of the university ( I enjoy applying regulations to real work applications). As a PNP, I enjoy when children and their families say that their sleep is better and their daytime symptoms are resolved (or at least decreased).
Tell us about a memorable patient or student that you worked with?
There have been a number over a 25+ year career. The most recent has been a summer research student that was actually assigned to the MD that I work with; but when it comes to research, I work in a great collaborative environment. He worked with us on 2 different projects over 2 summers. Watching him grow and develop as a researcher was wonderful. He presented at 2 national conferences and while he could not present at ATS this past May due to a scheduling conflict, to present his work was a great privilege. The enthusiasm for sleep research was great and the look on his face when he realized that his research was being presented as an oral presentation at the ATS was priceless!
Tell us about your latest or favorite research project?
Examining the reliability and accuracy of home sleep testing in adolescents who present with signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Also looking at OSA in children with Autism vs typically developing children. My focus of research is clinically based which I feel is very important in the care of children.
How do you spend your leisure time (yes, hopefully you have leisure time)?
Usually reading and spending time with family. I am trying to teach myself to knit. Being back in school has decreased my free time lately
Do you have children? Tell us about them.
No children but a number of “godchildren” who keep me smiling.
Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
A beta fish named Fishy
How has your view of nursing changed over the years?
It has not really changed. The passion to care for children (I always knew that I wanted to be a Pediatric Nurse) has not changed nor is my belief that it is nursing who “sees” the whole picture in the in-patient or outpatient setting
How long have you been a member in ATS?
10+ years
Do you have a mentor that has helped you?
I credit Dr. Leslie Hoffman with ALL my success. Without her encouragement, I would not be where I am today. She also has helped me move from the mentee to the mentor without me even realizing it. I also need to give credit to a number of friends who have always been there for me.
What is the value of your membership in ATS?
Being able to help shape an organization which values patients, clinicians and researchers. Finding out about the newest research and clinical innovation in my field and finally networking with a broad range of professionals.
