(619) 333-6764

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS OF

CAROLINE CÁRDENAS, Ph.D.


Caroline, Miguel & Viviana GracePEER-REVIEWED DISSERTATION

  1. Cárdenas, C. P. (2022). The significance of play in restoring compassion (Publication No. 2768126926) [Doctoral dissertation, Meridian University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. View Dissertation

PLAY SCIENTIST & EXPERT

  1. Dr. Caroline has also been recognized by the National Institute for Play as a
    Play Expert & Scientist in acknowledgment of her dedication and contributions to the science of play. NIFP Scientist & Expert

BOOK CHAPTERS

  1. Loarte-Rodríguez, T., & Cárdenas, C. P. (2024). Latinas in nursing: Stories of determination, inspiration, and trust (Vol. 2, pp. 67–78). Naperville, IL: Fig Factor Media.

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES

  • 1. Sánchez, C., Valdez, A., & Johnson, L. (2014). Hoop dancing to prevent and decrease burnout and compassion fatigue. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 40(4), 394–395. DOI Link | PDF
  • Sánchez, C., & Johnson, L. (2014). Hoop dancing for nurses to prevent and decrease burnout and compassion fatigue. Journal of Nursing UC San Diego Health System, Summer, 30–32. PDF
  • Sánchez, C. (2010). We are here to remember. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 13(10), 1290. DOI Link

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS & CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

  1. Cardenas, V., Tran, D., Gonzalez, S., Wu, N., Padilla, A., Cárdenas, C., Meier, E., & Nodora, J. (2023, August 23). Exploring challenges and barriers to achieving compassionate end-of-life care discussions: Insights from cancer patients and physicians [Grand Rounds Lecture]. Hackensack University School of Medicine, New Jersey.
  2. Padilla, A., Nuncio Zúñiga, A., Cárdenas, C., Nodora, J., Sadler, G. R., Cardenas, V., et al. (2021, October 14). End of life and dying conversations: The power of religion and spirituality for U.S. Latinx advanced cancer patients and their loved ones. International Cancer Education Conference.
  3. Padilla, A., Nuncio Zúñiga, A., Cárdenas, C., Nodora, J., Sadler, G. R., Cardenas, V., et al. (2021, August 13). The power religion holds in the dying process for Latinx advanced cancer patients and their loved ones. UC San Diego Summer Research Conference.
  4. Cardenas, V., Padilla, A., Nuncio Zúñiga, A., Cárdenas, C., & Nodora, J. (2021, March 12). It’s more than just words: Respectful conversations about death and dying among U.S. Latinx cancer patients and their loved ones. American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) Virtual Conference.

MEDIA FEATURES & FILM

  • Walden University. (2022, May 8). Acts for good. YouTube.
  • Walden University. (2017). Follow your why campaign to further your education. Vimeo | Walden University.
  • Walden University. (n.d.). Creatively confronting compassion fatigue: Meet Walden MSN alumna Caroline Pauline Cárdenas [Alumni profile]. Read Profile.
  • Redford, J. (Director). (2018–2020). Playing for keeps [Documentary film]. Filmmakers Collaborative. Vimeo.

PROFESSIONAL AND CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

  • Cardenas, V., Tran, D., Gonzalez, S., Wu, N., Padilla, A., Cárdenas, C., Meier, E., & Nodora, J. (2023, August 23). Exploring challenges and barriers to achieving compassionate end-of-life care discussions: Insights from cancer patients and physicians [Grand Rounds Lecture]. Hackensack University School of Medicine, New Jersey.
  • Padilla, A., Nuncio Zúñiga, A., Cárdenas, C., Nodora, J., Sadler, G. R., Cardenas, V., & others. (2021, October 14). End of life and dying conversations: The power of religion and spirituality for U.S. Latinx advanced cancer patients and their loved ones. International Cancer Education Conference.

INVITED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Caroline Cárdenas, Ph.D., MSN, MA, RN, is a captivating public speaker whose career spans more than two decades at the intersection of grief and joy. A bilingual licensed oncology and hospice nurse, psycho-oncology coach, grief coach, legacy therapy provider, play researcher, and published author Dr. Caroline champions the transformative power of play across the lifespan as a catalyst for well-being. With a rare blend of clinical expertise, scholarly insight, and engaging presence, Dr. Caroline invites audiences into meaningful conversations about resilience, healing, and connection. Her talks inspire a shift in perspective—revealing how joy can coexist with loss, and how play can restore vitality, purpose, and hope at any stage of life. Each presentation leaves participants not only informed, but deeply moved and equipped with practical, heart-centered strategies for living fully.

TOPICS DR. CAROLINE CAN SPEAK ON

  • Play as a Pathway to Healing and Well-being
  • Psycho-Oncology and Cancer Support
  • Mother Loss Grief
  • Understanding Affects, Feelings, and Emotions
  • Understanding the Significance of Empathy and Compassion for Humanity
  • Understanding Breast Cancer for Psychotherapists
  • Well-being for Healthcare and Helping Professionals
  • Legacy and Meaning-Making

SELECTED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  1. Cárdenas, C. P. (2023, November 17). Play and joy: The secret formula for success and well-being. San Diego Global Knowledge University.
  2. Cárdenas, C. P. (2022, March 24). Hula hooping: Evoking joy and fostering well-being through body and movement play. Stanford University BeWell Program.
  3. Cárdenas, C. P. (2021, August 10). Evoking joy through play to prevent and decrease compassion fatigue. Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference.
  4. Cárdenas, C. P. (2021, April 12). Healthcare professionals’ well-being: Burnout, compassion fatigue, and play. U.S. Play Coalition.
  5. Cárdenas, C. P. (2021, January 23). Breast cancer 101: The basics for psychologists. UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
  6. Cárdenas, C. P. (2019, August 22). Breast cancer basics for healthcare professionals. Proyecto Mariposa, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.
  7. Cárdenas, C. P. (Ongoing). Mother loss grief support. Workshops and seminars at the Center for Psycho-Oncology Care.
  8. Cárdenas, C. P. (2021, May 10). Health and Play Institute – Playing for Keeps Q&A panel. U.S. Play Coalition.

 

VERIFICATIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  1. Cárdenas, C. P. (2025). Verified Psychotherapist Profile. Psychology Today. View Article