She was at the center of a 1928 controversy when she was accepted for post-graduate work at Sloane Hospital for Women in New York City, then lost her place when her race became known.

[1] She was one of the twelve founding members (known as "Jewels") of the Chi Eta Phi, a nursing sorority.

It is also well known that the opportunities accorded them for the full and adequate education and training they are eager to have are exceedingly limited.

[11][12][13] Catchings' experience was discussed in the context of other publicized racial discrimination incidents at the hospital.

[14] Later in her career, Catchings was a nurse in the District of Columbia Public Schools, until she retired in 1966.