Pamela Tatro, RN
Pamela Tatro, RN, is an experienced oncology nurse and care coordinator with nearly three decades of dedicated service in patient care. Currently serving as a Care Coordinator at the Masonic Cancer Center through UMN Physicians in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she specializes in supporting patients diagnosed with breast cancer and melanoma. Known for her compassionate approach and strong clinical expertise, Pamela plays a vital role in guiding patients and their families through complex cancer treatments while ensuring coordinated, patient-centered care.
Pamela’s passion for nursing began during her childhood while coping with poorly controlled asthma. Frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations introduced her to nurses who provided comfort and reassurance during difficult moments, leaving a lasting impression on her. Although she briefly considered becoming a physician, her experience working as a certified nursing assistant revealed her true calling in nursing, where she could directly support and advocate for patients. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from the College of St. Catherine in 1997.
Her career began in oncology, where she worked as a nursing assistant for several years before becoming an oncology nurse. After three years in oncology nursing, Pamela transitioned into hospice and palliative care, a field in which she served for 17 years. During that time, she also maintained on-call duties at her previous hospital for an additional six years, providing critical support for patients and families during end-of-life care. Her work in hospice strengthened her expertise in symptom management, pain control, and compassionate patient communication.
In 2016, Pamela expanded her professional experience by stepping into leadership and management roles within healthcare organizations. She served in positions including Clinical Nurse Supervisor, Nurse Program Manager, and Clinical Manager in hospice and care programs. These roles allowed her to combine her clinical knowledge with program development, team leadership, and patient care coordination across multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
In recent years, Pamela returned to her original passion for oncology care. Today, as a Registered Nurse Care Coordinator in the Twin Cities area, she focuses on helping cancer patients navigate treatment, manage symptoms, and access the resources they need throughout their care journey. With a career spanning nearly 29 years, Pamela remains deeply committed to compassionate patient advocacy, drawing on both her professional expertise and personal experiences to provide exceptional support to those facing serious illness.
• Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (BA), Registered Nursing
College of St. Catherine, 1997
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• RN
• Animal Humane Society
• Arm in Arm in Africa
• ELPIS
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Breast Cancer Care
- Melanoma Care
- Oncology Patient Navigation
- Symptom Management
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Pain Management
- Medical Case Management
- Patient Care Coordination
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
My passion for nursing began with my own experiences as a child living with asthma, which often required hospital and emergency room visits. During those difficult times, the nurses who cared for me made me feel safe, supported, and comforted, and that left a lasting impression on me. Later, when I began working as a certified nursing assistant, I discovered how much I enjoyed caring for patients, but I also realized that I wanted to do more to support them. That desire led me to pursue a career in nursing. I have always considered myself a natural caregiver, and I find deep fulfillment in assessing patients’ needs, providing compassionate care, and supporting individuals who are facing serious illnesses such as cancer.
Locations
UMN Physicians – Masonic Cancer Center (M Health Fairview)
909 Fulton St SE #202, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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