Sara Horton-Deutsch, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Caritas Coach

Dr. Horton-Deutsch has led in academic and practice settings for over 30 years as an advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurse, educator, consultant, program director, caring science endowed chair, coach, and academic/practice partnerships director. She is currently the Director of the University of San Francisco/Kaiser Permanente Partnership (KP) and Program Director for the RN-MSN for KP Scholars Academy. Throughout her educational and practice career, she has contributed to developing evidence-informed knowledge to ensure compassionate, safe, and high-quality care. As a reflective leader, she emphasizes inward development to foster positive change. She has co-authored several books on Reflective Practice, Caring Science, and Caritas Coaching. She is a Caritas Coach, Leader, and Healing Circle Facilitator. Her passion is facilitating critical, deep, authentic connections that promote regeneration, renewal, and the profession's evolution. Her most recent books, Visionary Leadership in Healthcare (2022) and Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing (2024), were published through SIGMA, with the former winning the AJN first-place Book of the Year award in Leadership. Currently, she champions the ANCC Essentials for the RN-MSN program within the USF School of Nursing and Health Professions. She is co-director of the Caritas Leadership Program at the Watson Caring Science Institute.

• Nursing leadership
• Caring science curriculum
• Spiritual wellbeing

• Caring science
• Authentic leadership
• Human intelligence
• Wellbeing

• Chair, Nursing Department (2023-2026)
• Director, University of San Francisco/Kaiser Permanente Partnership (2019-Present)
• Member, Essentials Champion RN-MSN Program Representative
• Member, Center for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee (2023-2026)

• Rush University, PhD in Nursing, 1992
• Rush University, MSN in Psych Nursing, 1988
• University of Evansville, BSN in Nursing, 1986

• Professor and Watson Caring Science Endowed Chair, University of Colorado, College of Nursing

• Professor, Interim Department Chair, Environments for Health, Indiana University, School of Nursing

• Professor, Coordinator of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Program, Indiana University, School of Nursing

• Scholar, Global Academy of Holistic Nursing, 2022

• Fellow, American Academy of Nursing, 2014

• Academy of Nursing Education Fellow (ANEF), National League of Nursing, 2013

• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (2024). Reflective Practice: Reimagining ourselves: Reimagining nursing (3rd Ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Sigma.

• Rosa, W., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Watson, J. (2018). A Handbook for Caring Science: Expanding the paradigm. New York: Springer

• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Anderson, J. (2018). Caritas Coaching: A Journey toward transpersonal caring for informed moral action in healthcare. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International

• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (Eds.) (2017). Reflective Practice: Transforming Education and Improving Outcome (2nd. Ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International

• Sherwood, G. & Horton-Deutsch, S. (Eds.). (2015). Reflective organizations: On the frontlines of QSEN and reflective practice implementation. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International

• Horton-Deutsch, S., Griffin, C., & Watson, J. (2025). Global Healthcare Challenges: Solutions from Nursing Caring Science. (In press). 

• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Watson, J. (2025). Integrating Caring Science and the Caritas Processes in contemporary healthcare: A framework for nursing education and professional practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 61, 84-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.09.010 

• McConnell, E., Goldberg, L., & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2024). Applying Watson’s Caring Science as a framework to reconsider renal transplantation nursing care. (Submitted to the Journal of Holistic Nursing, April 17, 2024). 

• Horton-Deutsch, S.., Willis, D., Llasus, L., Beck, M., Fankhouser, K., Ambrosio-Mawhirter, D., & Watson, J. (2025). Weaving Caring Science into the AACN Essentials: A cross-impact analysis and resource guide. Journal of Professional Nursing. Available online: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S8755722324001704 

• Hooper-Arana, E. & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2023). Integrating compassion and the theoretical premises of caring science into undergraduate health professions education, Creative Nursing, 29 (1), pp. 1-12. 

Certifications

• Institute of HeartMath
• HeartMath Certified Trainer
• Watson Caring Science Institute
• Caritas Coach Certification
• International Coach Federation
• The Leadership Circle Coach: Profile Certification Training

Service

Local

• 2016-Pres, Co-Chair, Watson Caring Science Center Advisory Board, University of Colorado, CON
• 2011, Peer Teaching Evaluation, (Wonder), Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington Campus
• 2009,Peer Teaching Evaluation, (Hensel), Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington Campus
• 2009, Peer Teaching Evaluation, (Huang), School of Informatics, IUPUI Indianapolis, IN
• 2008, Peer Teaching Evaluation, (Gettelfinger), Indiana University School of Nursing Bloomington Campus
• 2007, Peer Teaching Evaluation, (Gerkensmeyer), Indiana University School of Nursing Indianapolis, IN
• 2006, Peer Teaching Evaluation, (McNelis), Indiana University School of Nursing Indianapolis, IN
• 2005-2008, Member, Comprehensive Health Issues (CHIC), Monroe County Community School Corporation, Bloomington, IN
• 1997-2001, President, President Elect, & Past- President, Sigma Theta Tau International, Gamma Phi Chapter, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL
• 1998-1999, Board of Directors, Chair, Trilogy, Inc. Community Mental Health, Center, Chicago, IL
• 1996-1998, Vice Chair, Trilogy, Inc. Community Mental Health, Center, Chicago, IL
• 1995-1996, Member, Trilogy, Inc. Community Mental Health, Center, Chicago, IL
• 1997-1999, Speakers Bureau, Trilogy, Inc. Community Mental Health, Center, Chicago, IL
• 1997, Special Awards Judge, Health and Science Projects, Chicago Public School Student Science Fair Chicago, IL
• 1995-1997, Vice President, Gamma Phi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL
• 1993-1995, Counselor, Gamma Phi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL
• 1992-1993, Chair, Gamma Phi Chapter Research Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International, Indianapolis, IN

Regional

• 2016, Member, Advisory Board, Health Impact Northern California
• 2010-2011, Member, Legislative Conference Task Force, Indiana State Nurses Association
• 2006-2008, Treasurer, Indiana Chapter, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, (APNA)
• 2002-2006, Chair, Region 9 Mentorship, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2002-2005, Member, Board of Directors, Mental Health Association in Indiana
• 2002-2004, Elected Member, Indiana Mental Health and Aging Coalition, Inc.
• 2000-2001, Invited Member, Indiana Consortium for Mental Health Research
• 2000-2001, Member, Nominating Committee, American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), Indiana Chapter
• 1999-2001, Chair, Program Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International, Region 4
• 1999-2000, Member, Research Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Chapter

Nationals

• 2012-2013, Determine criteria for PMH CNS to NP Transition, APNA/ISPN Special Interest Group
• 2011-2012, Member, Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education Committee For Advanced Practice in Nursing, National LACE Committee
• 2011-2013, Member, Scope and Standards of Practice National Review and Revision Task Force, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, (PMHN)
• 2010-2011, External Reviewer, Promotion, Rush University College of Nursing, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
• 2010, External Reviewer, Promotion, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
• 2008, Book Reviewer, Chambers-Clark, C. Group Leadership Skills, (5th Ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company
• 2002-Present, Manuscript Reviewer, Journal of Nursing Scholarship
• 2002-Present, Journal Reviewer, Review Panel, Applied Nursing Research
• 1992-1994, Chair, Nursing Committee, American Association of Suicidology, Washington, DC
• 1992, Chair, Program Planning Committee, American Association of Suicidology, 25th Anniversary Conference, Chicago, IL

International

• 2015-2016, Chair, Nominating Committee, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2015-2016, First Global Human Caring Conference Planning Committee. WCSI/Union Hospital Tongji Medical College Juahzong University of Science & Tech. China.
• 2015-2016, Past President, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2014-2015, President, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2014, Member, Research and Scholarship Advisory Subcommittee for Sigma Theta Tau on Creating an International Scholarship Institute
• 2013-2014, President Elect, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2012-2013, Heritage Society Dinner Host Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2011-2013, Board of Directors, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2011-2013, Member, Editorial Review Board, Journal of Nursing Education and Practice (JNEP)
• 2011-2013, Board of Directors , International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2011-2013, Member, Editorial Review Board, Journal of Nursing Education and Practice (JNEP)
• 2011-2013, Division Director, Board of Directors, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses, Society of Education and Research in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (SERPN)
• 2011, Judge, Capstone International Book Award, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2010-Present, Member, AMPATH (Academic Model for providing access to healthcare), North American Mental Health Group
• 2011-Present, Journal Reviewer, Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice
• 2010-Present, Journal Reviewer, Japan Journal of Nursing Science
• 2009-2011, Nominating Committee Chair, International Chair of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
• 2009-Present, Member, Diversity and Equity Committee, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2008-Present, Member, Diversity and Equity Committee, International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2011, , Capstone International Book Award, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2010-Present, Member, AMPATH (Academic Model for providing access to healthcare), North American Mental Health Group
• 2010-Present, Journal Reviewer, Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice
• 2010-Present, Journal Reviewer, Japan Journal of Nursing Science
• 2009-2011, Nominating Committee Chair, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
• 2009-Present, Member, Diversity and Equity Committee, International Society for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
• 2010-2011, Member, Program Committee, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
• 2007-2008, Editor, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Newsletter
• 2004-2006, Member, Reflective Practice Task Force, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2002-2004, Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International, Member, International Program
• 2002-2004, Committee ,Sigma Theta Tau International Member, International Program
• 2002-2004,Member, Special Sessions of International Program Committee, Sigma Theta Tau International
• 2001-Present, Journal Reviewer, Journal of Nursing Scholarship

Research/Creative Activity

Refereed

• Gdanetz, L., Hamer, M., Thomas, E., Tarasenko, L., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Jones, J. (2017). Technology, educator intention, and relationships in virtual learning spaces: A qualitative metasynthesis, Nursing Education, in press.
• Watson, J., Porter-O’Grady, T., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Malloch, K. (2017). Quantum caring healthcare leadership. Integrating quantum leadership with caring science, Nursing Science Quarterly, in press.
• Cook, P., Schmiege, S., Reeder, B., Horton-Deutsch, S., Lowe, N., & Meek, P. (2017). Temporal immediacy: A two-system theory of mind for understanding and change health behaviors. Nursing Research, in press.
• Pardue, K., Young, P., Horton-Deutsch, S., Halstead, J., & Pearsall. (2017). Becoming a nurse faculty leader: Taking risks by being willing to fail. Nursing Forum, in press.
• Stiles, K., Horton-Deutsch, S, & Andrews, C. (2014). The nurse’s lived experience of becoming an interprofessional leader. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 45(11), 487-495.
• Pearsall, C., Purdue, K., Horton-Deutsch, S., Young, P., Halstead, J., Nelson, K. & Morales, M.L. (2014). Becoming a nurse faculty leader: doing your homework to minimize risk taking. Journal of Professional Nursing, 30(1), 26-33.
• McNelis, A., Horton-Deutsch, S., O’ Haver Day, P., Gavardinas, T., Outlaw, C., Palmer, R., & Schroeder, M. (2012). Identifying gender differences in substance use disorders. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 48(1), 41-46.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., McNelis, A. & O’ Haver Day, P. (2011). Enhancing mutual accountability to promote quality, safety and nurses’ recovery from substance use disorders. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 25(6), 445-455.
• Young, T., Pearsall, D., Stiles, K., & Horton-Deutsch, S. (July/August, 2011). Becoming a Nursing Faculty Leader, Nursing Education Perspectives, pp. 150-156.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Young, T. & Nelson, K. (2010). Becoming a nurse faculty leader: Facing challenges through reflecting, persevering, and learning to relate with others new ways. Journal of Nursing Management, 18, 487-493.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Twigg, P., & Evans, R. (2007). Health care decision-making of persons with dementia. Dementia, 6(1), 105-120.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., O’Haver Day, P., Haight, R., Babin-Nelson, M. (2007). Enhancing Mental Health Services to Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients through a Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Intervention. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 13, 110-115.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Horton, J. (2003). Developing mindfulness: A means to overcoming conflict. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 17 (4), 186-193.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Farran, C., Choi, E., & Fogg, L. (2002). The PLUS Intervention: A pilot study with caregivers of depressed older adults. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 16 (2), 61-71.
• Beeson, R., Horton-Deutsch, S., Farran, C., & Neundorfer, M. (2000). Loneliness and depression in caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 21, 779-806.
• Farran, C., Horton-Deutsch, S., Loukissa, D., & Johnson, L. (1998). Psychiatric Home Care of Elderly Persons with Depression: Unmet Caregiver Needs. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 16 (4), 57-73.
• Farran, C., Horton-Deutsch, S., Meyer, P., & Bourgard, L. (1998). Development of the Geropsychiatric Intervention Checklist. Outcomes Management for Nursing Practice, 2 (4), 167-173.
• Farran, C., Horton-Deutsch, S. Fiedler, R., & Scott, C. (1997). Psychiatric home care for the elderly. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 16, 1, 77- 92.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Farran, C., Loukissa, D., & Fogg, L. (1997). Older Adult Recipients of Home- Based Mental Healthcare Services: Who are These Patients and What Services do They Receive? Home Healthcare Nurse, 15, (12), 846-854.
• Cardell, B., & Horton-Deutsch, S. (1994). A model of assessment of inpatient suicide potential. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 8, 366-372.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Clark, D., & Farran, C. (1992). Chronic dyspnea and suicide in elderly men. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 43, 1198-120.

Non-Refereed

• Freshwater, D., Horton-Deutsch, S., Sherwood, G. & Taylor, B. (2005). The scholarship of reflective practice.

Service

• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2016). Mindful leadership: A guide for health of care professions. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies, 3(2), 1-6.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2016). Visionary and reflection-centered. In B. Rosa (Eds.) Nurses as leaders: Evolutionary vision of leadership. Springer: New York.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2015). Knowing what must be done: A caring and effective response to the Ebola virus. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 29 (1), 1-2.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Fitzpatrick, J. (2014). New beginnings...a partnership to advance psychiatric mental health nursing. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 28(6), 1-2.
• McNelis, A. & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2012). Taking charge of our future: Curricular approaches to improve quality and safety in psychiatric nursing practice and healthcare, Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 26 (5), 339-340.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2012). A remembrance of Mary Jo Regan Kubinski. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 26(4), 336-337.
• Regan Kubinski, M.J., & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2012). Update on APRN Regulation and its Application to Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 26 (1) 24-25.
• Delaney, K., Soltis-Jarrett, V. & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2011). ISPN’s involvement with APRN Model work. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 25(6), 488-489.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (fall, 2011). SERPN Division Update, Connections: Newsletter for the International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses, 14.
• Beaman, A., Foughty, C., Schmalz, S., McNelis, A.M., Horton-Deutsch, S., and O’Haver DaP.(2010). Five High-Risk Practice Areas for Nurses Enrolled in ISNAP. Published on the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program.
• Furstenberg, J., Cheong, K., Brill, A., McNelis, A.M., Horton-Deutsch, S., and O’Haver Day, P. (2010). Identifying High and Low Risk Practice Areas and Drugs of Choice of Chemically Dependent Nurses. Published on the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program Website.
• Godfrey, G., Harmon, T., Roberts, A., Spurgeon, H., McNelis, A.M., Horton-Deutsch, S., and O’Haver Day, P. (2010). Substance Abuse among Nurses. Published on the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program Website.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2001). Book review of Ethics, law and aging review: Consumer-directed care and the older person. (Volume 6) (2000). New York: Springer Publishing.
• Horton-Deutsch, S (2001). Paying Attention. Work cited in: Aging Well, Research and Creative Activity, Publication of Indiana University, 24 (2), 18-19.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2000, August). Treating Depression in Older Adults, Indiana Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Newsletter.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2000, August). Recognizing Depression in Older Adults, Indiana Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Newsletter.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (2000). Book review of Ethical dilemmas and nursing practice.(4thEd). (1997) Stamford, Connecticut: Appleton & Lange.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (1999, Spring/Summer). From the President…Chapter News. Gamma Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Newsletter.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (1999, Fall/Winter). From the President…Chapter News. Gamma Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Graham, J. (1999, Winter). Something to believe in, The Trilogy Connection, 3,1-2.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Graham, J. (1999, Spring). Strategy + action = vision, The Trilogy Connection, 1-2.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Graham, J. (1999, Summer). Building our agency strengths is key to effectiveness, The Trilogy Connection, 3, 1-2.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Graham, J. (1999, Fall). Victims or survivors, The Trilogy Connection, 4, 1-2.
• Horton-Deutsch, S. (1998, Fall/Winter). From the President...Chapter News. Gamma Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Newsletter.

Special Issue Editor

• Horton-Deutsch, S. & Ironside, P. (2016). Humanities in Health Professions Education and Practice, Humanities, ISSN 2076-0787
• Webinars (available at nursing.ucdenver.edu/caringscience)
• D’Alfonso, J., Javed, P., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Anderson, J. (March, 2017). Caritas Consciousness Webinar Series-Caritas to Communitas: Programs Designed to Flourish.
• Horton-Deutsch, S., Watson, J. & Anderson, J. (December, 2016). Caritas Consciousness Webinar Series-Exploring the Evolution of Caritas Literacy with a Postmodern Critique.
• Rosenburg, N., Goldberg, L., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Anderson, J. (September, 2016). Caritas Consciousness Webinar Series-Inquiry and Innovation in the Academic Sphere.
• Etheridge, M.L., Lee, S., Horton-Deutsch, S., & Anderson, J. (June, 2016). Caritas Consciousness Webinar Series-The Power of Heart-Mind Leadership.
• Web-based Modules Edited
• Transforming teaching and learning through reflective practice. (2015). (Horton-Deutsch).
• Cultivating a culture of justice in nursing education and healthcare. (2011). (Banerjee-Stevens, Horton-Deutsch). QSEN, Author.
• A taste of mindfulness: Implications for safety, self-care and empathy in nursing education. (2010). (Beck-Coon). QSEN, Contributor. 
• Teaching patient-centered care using narrative and reflective pedagogies. (2010). (Horton- Deutsch, Ironside). QSEN, Author. 
• Adolescent Dating Violence: Integrating Research Findings into Therapeutic Approaches to Treatment. (2010). (Draucker). IUPUI. Contributor.

International Educational Resource Modules Edited

• Mental illness: Reduce stigma and promote empowerment. (2010). (DeLambo, Hill). Moi University, Editor.
• Identification and Intervention of substance use disorders: A culturally sensitive approach. (2010). (Palmer, Schroeder). Moi University, Editor.