Melissa L. Head ’99W (MS) Executive Director for Advancement
Andrea Allen, Senior Director
Mia Cannon, Senior Director
Rochester Nursing Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, students, and friends of the University of Rochester School of Nursing. It is published by the University of Rochester Medical Center Departments of Communications, Alumni Relations, and Advancement.
ON THE COVER…
Instructor of Clinical Nursing and simulation
educator John McIntyre, MS, RN, CNL, CCRN-K, and his husband Gary Keleher, who works parttime as a standardized patient at the University of Rochester Medical Center, simulate a day in the life of a family caregiver and their loved one.
Photo by Matt Wittmeyer
WRITE TO US
We welcome your letters and feedback concerning stories in the magazine or issues related to the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Send your comments to:
Editor, NURSING
In
Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Dean, School of Nursing Independence Foundation
Chair in Nursing Education
Vice President, University of Rochester Medical Center
Professor of Nursing & Geriatric Medicine
From the Dean
DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS,
As we close out 2024 and look ahead to the new year, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable progress our School of Nursing community has made over the past semester. Our faculty, staff, and students have truly risen to the occasion, propelling us forward in our mission to transform nursing education, practice, and research.
I’m excited to share that our cover story for this issue shines a spotlight on the critical area of caregiving research. As a researcher in this field, I’ve seen firsthand the real impact this work has on patients, families, and communities. Through innovative studies, our nursing researchers are bringing much-needed attention to the challenges faced by millions caring for their loved ones. This focus aligns perfectly with our school’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing for all.
Beyond research, I’m thrilled to share that we were named a 2024 National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. This prestigious designation is a testament to the incredible work happening across our classrooms, labs, and clinical settings. Our faculty continue to inspire future nurse leaders to maximize their impact on patient care and healthcare leadership.
And thanks to the generosity of donors like the Saunders Foundation and the Patrick Lee Foundation, we can offer more scholarships than ever before, making a high-quality nursing education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Partnerships like these are invaluable as we strive to build a diverse pipeline of nursing leaders.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about our school’s future and the nursing profession as a whole. By embracing innovation and collaboration, and our shared commitment to equity and inclusion, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. I’m honored to lead this exceptional community, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025 and beyond.
WARM WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR,
Named 2024 NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education UR Nursing
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been named a 2024 National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for sustained accomplishments in creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development.
“Joining the ranks of NLN Centers of Excellence is a landmark achievement for our school,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. “It underscores our role as leaders in nursing education and our commitment to advancing the profession through innovative teaching, research, clinician practice, and professional development.”
The UR School of Nursing consistently ranks among the top 25 of U.S. nursing schools for its programs and is renowned for pioneering the unification model of nursing, blending research and education with clinical practice as part of the University of Rochester Medical Center.
In 2022, the school opened a 26,000-square-foot learning facility with advanced simulation, VR, augmented reality, and experiential learning spaces, and was recently endorsed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. The school was also one of the first nursing schools to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative efforts to prepare future nurses in a digital learning environment.
“NLN Centers of Excellence reflect the extraordinary team and teamwork required to engage in the transformative work of nursing education — not just during one semester or even a single academic year, but in a sustained way that demands genuine dedication
and authentic commitment to producing consistent programmatic excellence,” said NLN Chair Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean and Strawbridge Professor at the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions.
“Being named a Center of Excellence validates our approach to nursing education: one that prioritizes student success through experiential learning and technology integration to achieve critical competencies for contemporary nursing practice in complex healthcare settings,” said Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, senior associate dean for graduate education and innovation.
What is the NLN?
The National League for Nursing (NLN) is a premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. Founded in 1893, it’s the oldest professional association for nursing education in the United States.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing was honored with a Center of Excellence designation at the 2024 NLN Education Summit in September. From left: Beverly Malone, NLN president and CEO, Lisa Kitko, dean of the School of Nursing, Lisa Brophy, associate dean for undergraduate programs, Tara Serwetnyk, director of academic innovation, Lydia Rotondo, senior associate dean of graduate education and innovation, Kaitlyn Burke, assistant professor of clinical nursing, and Patricia Sharpnack, chair of the NLN.
Key Initiatives Behind the NLN Center of Excellence Designation
Innovative Use of Technology: The integration of digital technology in learning through initiatives like the iROC Mobile Learning Program, which provides students with iPads and employs mobile learning to enhance engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention. The School was again recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2024-2027, recognizing its continued success in creating engaging, digital learning environments to better prepare the nursing workforce.
Curriculum Redesign: A strategic commitment to competency-based, transformative learning that focuses on critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making. This includes innovative program delivery methods like flipped classrooms, simulation labs, and virtual simulations.
Experiential Learning Environments: The newly opened 26,000-square-foot experiential learning space, which includes high-tech simulation labs, skills labs, and extended reality rooms to create dynamic learning environments for students to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Faculty Development: Continuous investment in faculty development, including embedding instructional designers, providing education on leveraging technology for learning, and supporting best practices in teaching and assessment, such as the use of the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) framework.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Programs like the Center for Lifelong Learning and student support services such as the Center for Academic & Professional Success.
Focus on Equity and Inclusion: The School of Nursing fosters a psychologically safe and welcoming learning environment that reflects and values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Leveraging clinical and research partnerships, the school integrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) content into the curriculum to ensure students are prepared to provide culturally competent care for the whole person.
UR Nursing Scholars Program Soars, Tackling Nursing Shortage
Tuition-Free Pathway Expands to Support Hundreds of Future Nurses
When the UR Nursing Scholars program launched in 2023, it offered an innovative tuition-free pathway to address New York’s nursing shortage. Now, just a year later, the program is exceeding all expectations — and has been extended through 2027 to support nearly 300 aspiring nurses.
“Extending the UR Nursing Scholars Program enables us to significantly increase our contribution to the healthcare workforce and continue to provide life-changing opportunities for our students,” said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing.
The UR Nursing Scholars opportunity covers 100 percent of tuition costs for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program in exchange for a three-year work commitment at select UR Medicine hospitals. This unique model is paying dividends, attracting a diverse cohort that is already making an impact.
Over 200 scholars from Western New York and across the country have enrolled so far, with 41 percent coming from historically marginalized backgrounds — more than double the national average for registered nurses. Nearly 20 percent are men, far outpacing the 12 percent national rate.
“This program leverages the strengths of our academic medical center and aligns with our mission to expand access to quality care,” said David Linehan, MD, URMC CEO and dean of the School of Medicine & Dentistry. “By training and retaining
nurses within our own facilities, we ensure our hospitals can meet the growing needs of our community.”
With New York facing a projected shortage of 40,000 RNs by 2030, the UR Nursing Scholars program is a vital part of the solution. By breaking down barriers to nursing careers, the School of Nursing is developing a diverse, highly skilled pipeline of future caregivers.
As a lifetime health and wellness advocate, I knew nursing was the ideal choice for me. The program has been challenging and rewarding. Every time I reach a roadblock, I know once I cross it, I will become that much stronger as a future nurse.”
Mona Sepulveda ’99 (BS), ’24N
HOME STATE Texas
PREVIOUS CAREERS Middle school science teacher, medical health plan auditor, served in U.S. Navy.
UR NURSING SCHOLARS ROLE Registered nurse in the cardiac progressive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital
Coming from a different background, I sometimes find myself feeling unaccepted, which can be painful, but this program has empowered me to devote myself to fighting against prejudice. The program pays special attention to minority issues and diversity and encourages us to consider the effects that prejudices can have, both on individuals and on the community as a whole.”
Branislava “Brana” Dubajic ’24N
HOME COUNTRY Born and raised in Serbia, resident in Fairport
PREVIOUS CAREERS Assistant district attorney, phlebotomist
UR NURSING SCHOLARS ROLE Registered nurse in general surgical unit at Highland Hospital
As I witnessed the difficulties and barriers patients face when accessing health care, my passion for helping others grew even stronger. It was through these fulfilling experiences that I finally realized my desire to work in nursing. The Scholars program has truly been instrumental in shaping my career path. Not only has it provided networking opportunities, career guidance, and information sessions, but it has also been a tremendous support system for me.”
Arline Villa Rubio ’24N
HOME COUNTRY Born in Mexico, raised in Brockport, NY
PREVIOUS CAREER Program coordinator for regional coalition assisting migrant and farmworker families
UR NURSING SCHOLARS ROLE Registered nurse in emergency medicine transition unit at Strong Memorial Hospital
Caroline Nestro to Lead DEI for UR Medicine Affiliates
Caroline Nestro, PhD, MS, RN, has been selected as the inaugural director of equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) for affiliate hospitals within the UR Medicine health care network. Nestro, currently the interim director of DEI at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, has more than 20 years of experience in DEI and a reputation as a collaborative leader with a keen eye toward strategic innovation.
“Caroline was a natural choice. During her career in nursing, she has always shown effective leadership while also advocating for those who are marginalized,” said Adrienne Morgan, PhD, vice president for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.
Nestro will advance the university-wide DEI institutional priorities at the University of Rochester Medical Center and regional locations. She will also act as a consultant to affiliate DEI directors on the implementation of best practices, how to identify and address barriers related to meeting their DEI goals, and by spreading awareness across the affiliate hospitals regarding available resources.
She will continue in her role as the interim director of equity and inclusion at the School of Nursing where she has worked collaboratively with the School’s Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She’s also a member of the Health Equity Steering Committee and has had a longstanding presence on University and Medical Center-wide DEIJ Committees.
“Dr. Nestro’s work has been integral to creating a more welcoming and equitable environment for all our students,
faculty, and staff,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN “Her new role will amplify her positive influence, allowing her to continue driving progress at our School of Nursing while simultaneously spearheading DEI initiatives across our wider healthcare network.”
Nestro has spent the past 40 years in psychiatric nursing and says her background will inform how she approaches her work with faculty and staff throughout UR Medicine’s affiliated hospitals.
“Psychiatric nurses are very attuned to group dynamics, systems, and processes. I’m also very much a strengths-based clinician, so I’m always looking for the strengths that a system has and will work to build upon those,” Nestro said. “In this role, I aim to support our affiliates’ priorities in equity and inclusion, help them to address health disparities where they may exist, and improve health outcomes.”
Nestro has a long history working within systems to bring about positive change, having previously served as senior project manager to the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, where she assisted in writing the application and initiating two of the projects across 13 counties in a New York State health care initiative.
“I am really excited about the synergies that we may discover as I collaborate with the affiliates,” said Nestro. “These synergies will be beneficial to each of those hospitals, the Medical Center as well as to our staff, faculty, learners and the communities we serve.”
Eighth Excellence in Diversity Award
For an eighth year in a row, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has received the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
UR Nursing was one of 19 nursing schools across the U.S. and two in New York to earn the Health Professions 2024 HEED Award, a testament to the School’s ongoing work to incorporate principles of DEI across its education, research, and practice missions.
“As healthcare professionals, we recognize that our journey is ongoing. This award offers an opportunity not only to celebrate our strengths in DEI, but to measure our progress and identify ways we can continue to grow,” said Caroline Nestro, PhD, MS, RN, director of DEI for affiliate hospitals at UR Medicine and the School of Nursing’s interim DEI director.
The School will continue to expand its DEI initiatives as the 2025 Strategic Planning process takes place. Nestro and Professor of Clinical Nursing Susan Blaakman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, are currently leading a Culture workgroup, whose goal is to “cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and diverse culture that supports the wellbeing, development, engagement, and success of our students, staff, faculty, practitioners, and community.”
“Embracing values of equity, inclusion, and social justice across our School’s tripartite mission not only enriches our learning environment but prepares our nurses to serve the communities they work in with empathy, understanding, and respect,” Blaakman said. “We recognize the strides we have made as an institution and continue to reflect inward and work toward a brighter, more equitable, and just future.”
Professor Salah Al-Zaiti is Bringing AI to the Bedside
Salah Al-Zaiti, PhD, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, FAHA, joined the University of Rochester School of Nursing faculty in September as the Independence Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Nursing and a professor of nursing, cardiology, and electrical and computer engineering.
Al-Zaiti previously served as a professor and vice chair of acute and tertiary care research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Most recently, he has been leading a national team of researchers in developing an artificial intelligence-based (AI) clinical decision-making support tool to better classify chest pain among emergency department patients.
Chest pain is a common condition that accounts for more than six million emergency room visits in the U.S. each year, but diagnosing its causes can be difficult and lengthy when there aren’t obvious signs of a heart attack, often leading to repeat hospital visits and patient dissatisfaction. The algorithm, trained by data from more than 7,000 patients from multiple U.S. sites and who had chest pain without the obvious ST elevation of a heart attack, has helped researchers better identify who might have heart attacks, and can ultimately help providers make diagnoses more quickly and accurately. This work was recently published in Nature Medicine and was selected as the 2024 Article of the Year by the American Heart Association.
As he joins the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) community, Al-Zaiti now seeks to implement the AI support tool in a hospital setting, with the goal of incorporating it into electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors and electronic health records.
“The University of Rochester stood out as a leader in cardiovascular research with a strong history of implementing clinical trials, and as a hub for start-ups,” Al-Zaiti said. “I knew the University would offer an excellent platform to take my research to the next level and start implementing it at the bedside.”
“If our work is implemented into systems of care, it can dramatically change how we care for patients with chest pain,” Al-Zaiti added.
Al-Zaiti earned his master’s as an adult nurse practitioner and PhD in cardiovascular nursing at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, and bachelor’s in nursing at the Hashemite
University in Jordan. He also holds postgraduate certificates in machine learning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and applied machine learning from the Columbia University Data Science Institute.
During his time at Pitt, he was one of only few individuals in the University’s history to receive the Chancellor’s Award in both Distinguished Teaching and Distinguished Research. He has received nearly $8 million in research funding through the National Institutes of Health, has contributed to nearly 250 scientific papers and abstracts, holds two U.S. patents, and is a recipient of numerous national and international honors and prestigious awards.
A passion for addressing health disparities — sparked by his own firsthand experiences as a son of two Palestinian refugees who was born and raised in Jordan — is at the core of Al-Zaiti’s work. Throughout his childhood, Al-Zaiti and his family faced a lack of access to quality healthcare, shaping his future aspirations to improve patient care.
Among his proudest career milestones is the recent time he spent in Jordan as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar. Through his work there, he sought to give back to the community he was raised in through a project focused on AI-enabled coronary artery disease screenings among refugee populations.
“Incorporating a global health component into everything I do is important to me,” Al-Zaiti said. “I always think of marginalized and underserved communities, and how I can reduce their pain and suffering.”
Outside of his work, Al-Zaiti seeks to maintain a healthy work-life balance and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.
A New Pathway to Nursing: Master’s Direct Entry Program
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has introduced a Master's Direct Entry (MDE) program designed to help college graduates from non-nursing backgrounds become registered nurses with advanced training.
The 16-month, full-time program offers an accelerated route to a Master of Science in Nursing, combining comprehensive clinical training with graduate-level coursework.
"The Master’s Direct Entry program offers an innovative new pathway to address the urgent needs of the nursing workforce," said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. "By providing additional graduate-level coursework in areas like quality improvement, ethics, and healthcare policy, our MDE graduates will be primed for nursing leadership roles and make an even greater impact in their communities."
The new pathway is one of several accelerated pre-licensure offerings from the UR School of Nursing specifically geared toward baccalaureate-prepared college graduates who want to join the nursing workforce.
In addition to the new MDE program, the School of Nursing continues to offer its 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) program — which offers an opportunity for full tuition coverage through the UR Nursing Scholars program in exchange for a three-year work commitment with UR Medicine hospitals – as well as a 24-Month ABSN program designed for working professionals.
Unlike the accelerated bachelor’s programs, students in the MDE program can access graduate federal financial aid opportunities. To help offset tuition costs, UR School of Nursing will also award a range of merit-based scholarships.
“This MDE program expands access to nursing education and creates new opportunities for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds to join the profession,” said Lisa Brophy, EdD, RN, MSBA, CNE, associate dean for undergraduate education. “Whether their goal is to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, or nursing educator, the robust MDE curriculum will produce highly skilled nurses ready to lead in today's dynamic healthcare environment.”
The 70.5-credit MDE curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and includes 690 clinical hours across key settings such as medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatric/mental health. Coursework emphasizes foundational nursing education, evidence-based practice, quality and safety, leadership, and population health.
Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Master of Science degree in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort. For more information, visit the University of Rochester School of Nursing website at son.rochester.edu.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is the first school in New York State to offer a new entry point for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, reinforcing its leadership in DNP education. This new entry point allows master’s-prepared nurses from diverse specialties, including APRN roles (NP, CNM, CNS, CRNA) as well as healthcare leadership, nursing administration, clinical nurse leader, nursing education, informatics, and other specialties, to pursue a terminal practice degree in nursing.
“We are thrilled to be the first school in New York State to offer this new entry point for our DNP program,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. “This expansion represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to addressing healthcare delivery and outcomes nationwide. Now we can more readily prepare nursing leaders who can drive innovation and improvement in healthcare.”
The UR School of Nursing can now accept both APRN and non-APRN prepared students directly into its post-master’s DNP program, a nationally recognized online program which prepares nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. This enables master’s-prepared nurses in both direct and indirect care roles to pursue a post-master’s DNP, building on their master’s education and professional expertise.
Post-master’s DNP programs have existed nationwide since the inception of DNP education almost 20 years ago, and this new pathway marks a significant advancement for New York State.
“For nearly two decades, we have been leaders in DNP education, and this new pathway will allow us to further support master’s-prepared nurses from diverse specialties in achieving their terminal degree,” said Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, FAAN, senior associate dean for graduate education and innovation and program director for the School’s DNP program.
UR Nursing First in NY to Offer New Entry Point for DNP Program
“This is not just about adding another program; it’s about transforming healthcare delivery and outcomes by empowering nurses with the advanced competencies to lead and innovate in today’s complex healthcare environment.”
The DNP program at the UR School of Nursing launched in 2007 and features 39-credits of online coursework. Students can continue to work full-time while completing coursework in clinical scholarship, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, clinical data management, leadership and interprofessional collaboration healthcare finance, and health policy, culminating in a scholarly project to optimize healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Increasing the number of DNP-prepared nurses addresses critical nursing shortages and supports the need for nursing leaders and faculty. DNP graduates lead healthcare transformation, design new models of delivery, and develop evidence-based interventions. DNP graduates working within the URMC health system also enhance the University of Rochester’s research mission through interdisciplinary practice inquiry and implementation projects.
DNP Summit 2024: Innovation & Inspiration
This October, the School of Nursing hosted its 9th Annual DNP Summit, bringing together over 400 registrants from across the U.S. to explore the role of DNP-prepared nurses in driving change and innovation in health care. With the theme Innovation & Inspiration, this year’s summit focused on how nurses and DNPs are uniquely positioned to lead in practice transformation, health policy, and clinical care delivery.
UR Nursing
Receives $3M Gift from Saunders Foundation to Support Student Scholarships
The University of Rochester announced in late October that the Saunders Foundation, led by University Trustee Emeritus E. Philip (Phil) Saunders, made a $3 million commitment to the School of Nursing to support nursing students.
The gift establishes an endowed scholarship fund – the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship – to support the nursing career goals of staff members at UR Medicine Noyes Health.
“We have a lot of very skilled, hardworking, intelligent people in the Southern Tier and a lot of them just never get that break to get up to Rochester to achieve their ultimate goals of being an RN,” said Saunders. “Our community needs to invest in professionals such as nurses and I’m happy to do this for Noyes and Livingston County.”
Based in Dansville, Livingston County, Noyes Health offers community-focused health care backed by Rochester’s world-class medical research initiatives.
“Phil sees the big picture,” said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of URMC. “He knows how important nursing is to health care, and how an investment in nursing education benefits his community and our health system as a whole. By creating scholarships at the nursing school, he is making it
University of Rochester School of Nursing Dean
Lisa Kitko stands with Phil and Carole Saunders, who announced a $30 million commitment from the Saunders Foundation to the Medical Center in October, supporting nursing scholarships.
possible for deserving Noyes staff members to advance their professional skills and achieve their career goals.”
The nursing scholarships are part of a larger $30 million commitment from the Saunders Foundation to the University of Rochester Medical Center, including supporting work at the UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center and establishing a named professorship in orthopaedics at the School of Medicine & Dentistry. In recognition of the long-standing philanthropic support from Saunders, the University will name its facility at 10 Miracle Mile Drive the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance.
From left: Paul Rubery, department chair and the Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor in Orthopaedics; David Linehan, CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry; Philip (Phil) Saunders; Carole Saunders; Patricia Redding, president of Saunders Mgt. Inc., and the Saunders Foundation; Brooke McAdam; Kathy Parrinello, president and chief executive of Strong Memorial, Highland Hospitals; University President Sarah Mangelsdorf; School of Nursing Dean Lisa Kitko; and Dean’s Professor Michael Maloney, in the Department of Orthopaedics.
Patrick P. Lee Foundation Extends Support for Psychiatric Mental Health NP Program
The Patrick P. Lee Foundation, a private Buffalo-based foundation that focuses on education and mental health, has extended its support of the University of Rochester School of Nursing for another four years, dedicating more than $1.2 million to Western New York’s psychiatric and mental health nursing workforce.
Originally launched in 2020 to remove financial barriers for those interested in mental health careers, the Lee Foundation Scholarship will continue to provide half-tuition scholarships for up to 24 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students total, or six per year for the next four years. The School of Nursing matches this contribution, offering a tuition-free pathway to a master’s degree.
The Lee Scholarship is primarily designated for individuals in counties surrounding Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester, with the goal of increasing access to mental health care and addressing workforce shortages in Western New York.
“The Lee Foundation’s continued support helps us expand the psychiatric mental health advanced nursing workforce to ensure that individuals across our region can receive the care they need and deserve,” said PMHNP Program Director and Professor of Clinical Nursing Susan Blaakman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN.
“We are extremely grateful for the Lee Foundation’s investment in our nurses and in our community’s overall well-being.”
For Jennifer Boor ’17N, ’23N (MS), the scholarship arrived at just the right time: Due to massive layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boor became the sole provider for her husband and two young children just as she was preparing to start her master’s in the PMHNP program.
“The Lee Foundation provided me the life-changing opportunity to pursue a career that I love without sacrificing my family’s livelihood,” said Boor, who now practices as a float nurse practitioner in Strong Memorial Hospital’s inpatient psychiatry tower and in the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Service.
Boor has a previous master’s in counseling and worked as a chemical dependency therapist but found that advanced nursing practice offered professional opportunities that she couldn’t find in other types of mental health roles, especially while providing direct care to patients.
“The world needs more well-trained mental health professionals, and I am honored to have been selected for such an amazing opportunity,” she said.
Former Lee scholar Kai Mbeke ’22N (MS), RN, has been providing mental health care as a nurse for nearly 20 years at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, where she is now a nurse practitioner specializing in adult outpatient mental health at the Butler Clinic.
“One of the most supportive gestures shown to me was the financial assistance provided by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation,” Mbeke said. “There is a great need for high quality, comprehensive care. It’s vital that individuals to receive the mental health care they deserve.”
“My experience at the School of Nursing has uniquely prepared me for my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner,” she added. “The curriculum equipped me with profound insight on mental health disorders, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based practices. Through clinical placements, I had the amazing opportunity to apply what I learned in real-world psychiatric settings and gain invaluable hands-on experience. My experience proved to be priceless.”
Across the University, the Lee Foundation has also provided scholarships to students at the Hajim School of Engineering, and made a large grant to Professor of Psychiatry Steven Silverstein, PhD, to launch the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Interventions for Changes in Emotions, Perception, and Thinking (INTERCEPT) clinic. The unique early intervention clinic aims to prevent psychotic disorders from developing in young people.
Kai Mbeke and Susan Blaakman (center) attend the New York State Office of Mental Health Chief Nursing Officers Education Conference in 2023.
Campus Student events
Accelerated bachelor’s alumni Ashton Scott, Jillian Kelly, Olivia Marsh, and Darrell Lamothe volunteer alongside Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Jennifer Zugnoni (center) at Camp Good Days, where they learned about the role of a camp nurse and gained experience supporting children and families affected by cancer and sickle cell disease.
Accelerated bachelor’s students teamed with Cameron Community Ministries Director Olivia Kassoum-Amadou (left) to host a health fair at the organization’s summer camp for children ages 5-12, improving kids’ knowledge about stress management, personal hygiene, sleep, and self-esteem.
Staff members Lizzie Mournighan, Nadine Taylor, and Peter Bertoldo hand out cookies and stickers at an LGBTQ+ Pride Month table on behalf of the School’s Council for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Students from East High School and UR Nursing’s career exploration course spend a full day at URMC as part of their semester-long experience, during which they learned how to take vital signs and visited the Surgical Center. The program is led by UR Nursing faculty, Master’s in Nursing Education students, and UR Medicine nurses.
School of Nursing faculty and staff members Lauren Ghazal, Holly McGregor, Jeff Wright, Meghan Underhill, and Meredith Kells participated in Wilmot Warrior Weekend, biking 75 miles to support life-saving cancer research and treatments at Wilmot Cancer Institute.
UR Nursing welcomed leaders from the National Taiwan University School of Nursing, including Associate Professor Chia-Chun Tang, Associate Professor Hao-Yuan Chen, Dean Cheryl Chia- Hui Chen, and PhD student Anny Ching-I Chang. In addition to getting a taste of fall in Rochester, visitors from NTU enjoyed a series of productive discussions and hands-on simulation experiences at the School.
Margot Buschang, instructor of clinical nursing, celebrates the last day of a clinical rotation at Wilmot Cancer Institute with her Fall 2024 accelerated bachelor’s students.
August Pinning Ceremony
Matthew Benjamin Drake ’24N spoke to his fellow graduates in the accelerated nursing program at the Summer 2024 Pinning Ceremony.
With an initial degree in pastoral ministry and counseling, Drake later obtained a master’s degree in public policy before pursuing a new career in nursing. “Your challenge won’t be ‘helping people.’ The challenge is — keeping that ‘spirit of nursing’ alive when outside forces seem to misalign with the purity of what’s already inside you… We graduate today, throbbing with idealism. Tomorrow we’ll take roles inside healthcare systems. You’ll see patient after patient with complications, challenges, obstacles that exhaust, overwhelm, frustrate. Somehow, you must continue being the open-hearted people that healed me this year… Thank you for this year. I’ll never forget.”
The ceremony celebrated 69 accelerated graduates and 15 RN-BS graduates. More than 30 students who graduated from the accelerated program were also members of the first UR Nursing Scholars cohort, with a commitment to work at Strong Memorial or Highland hospitals upon graduation.
Olivia Marsh ’24N received her nursing pin from instructor Jennifer Zugoni.
Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, the UR School of Nursing’s senior associate dean for graduate education and innovation has been named a 2024 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). A major milestone in a nurse leader’s career, induction into the Academy recognizes contributions to nursing and the public’s overall health.
Rotondo, who also serves as director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and a professor of clinical nursing, joins a cohort of Fellows that represents 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 countries. The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) comprises nearly 3,000 nursing leaders who are experts in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia who champion health and wellness, locally and globally.
For Rotondo, recognition as a FAAN has offered a chance to pause and reflect on her contributions to the nursing profession as a leader, educator, and advocate.
“Nurses often start their careers wondering what they will contribute on a daily basis to improve health and support their colleagues. Induction into the Academy offers a longitudinal perspective, demonstrating that colleagues both within and outside of the nursing profession recognize your continued contributions over time,” Rotondo said.
Through her roles as an associate dean and program director, Rotondo has led efforts to promote interprofessional education and create innovative solutions to address workforce and community needs. Under Rotondo’s leadership in her previous role as associate dean for education and student affairs, the School of Nursing expanded its focus on academic innovation, implementing new educational technology and experiential learning to support competency-based education.
“We wanted to be intentional about continuing the School’s legacy as a leader in nursing education, and thinking about it in a way that prepares students for the future of healthcare,” Rotondo said. “Pivoting our philosophical and pedagogical
Lydia Rotondo Named Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
foundations was critical in laying the groundwork for utilizing educational technology to prepare nurses as knowledge workers in a digital age practicing in complex healthcare environments.”
As DNP program director, Rotondo has helped UR Nursing stand out as an early leader in shaping DNP education. Over the past decade, Rotondo has had opportunities to add her expertise to DNP curriculum development and DNP scholarship through national presentations and publications.
Furthermore, through the establishment of the annual DNP Summit, Rotondo has positioned the School as a leader of national conversations on DNP education, career pathways, scholarship, and emerging topics. Now in its ninth year, the annual webinar series has welcomed thought leaders in nursing from across the country and attracted a growing national audience.
Her influence also extends beyond the university setting. Collaborating with New York State education leaders, she contributed to the passage of recent legislation that supports the integration of simulation in clinical nursing education. Earlier this summer, she helped lead the University of Rochester to become the first institution in New York to expand its DNP program entry point, a major milestone in expanding access and eligibility for master’s-prepared nurses to pursue a DNP.
Nationally, she has also served on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) New Essentials Implementation Task Force, further advancing nursing education in the U.S. Rotondo looks forward to continuing her advocacy work and furthering her impact as a Fellow. Becoming part of the Academy will provide an opportunity to “magnify your impact by expanding your advocacy platform,” she shared.
“I’m looking forward to learning from my colleagues and participating in the Academy’s initiatives to advance health policy and practice.”
Sally Norton Receives Statewide Distinguished Nurse Researcher Award
Senior Associate Dean for Research Sally Norton, PhD, RN, FNAP, FPCN, FAAN, a nationally recognized expert in palliative care, was named the 2024 Distinguished Nurse Researcher by the American Nurses Association – New York (ANA-NY) and the Center for Nursing.
The award is given every two years to a nurse researcher who conducts studies that contribute to the advancement of nursing and patient care.
Norton, the Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing and Palliative Care, joined the School in 2001 and has led its research mission since 2019. Her groundbreaking research focuses on improving communication and care delivery for patients with advanced illness, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care.
“I am deeply honored to have received this prestigious recognition,” Norton said. “This is not only a personal milestone, but a reaffirmation of the meaningful impact our palliative care research has had on patients with advanced illnesses and their families during challenging times. The University of Rochester
Lauren Ghazal
Medical Center has been at the forefront of palliative care advancements, and I look forward to our continued work to develop and provide the very best care possible.”
Throughout her career at URMC, Norton has been a principal or co-investigator in dozens of funded research studies on palliative care and has authored or co-authored more than 100 papers. She is a fellow of the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association (HPNA) and the American Academy of Nursing. She also serves as a co-director of research for the Division of Palliative Care in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester and holds a secondary appointment in the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
“Dr. Norton’s dedication to enhancing quality outcomes for patients and families has made a lasting impact on the field,” said School of Nursing Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. “This is a wonderful recognition of her continued excellence and leadership in nursing.”
Selected as Fellow of New York Academy of Medicine
Assistant Professor Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, has been selected as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM). As a new fellow, she joins a community of more than 2,000 New York healthcare professionals who share a commitment to achieving health equity.
NYAM members collaborate to address health challenges facing urban populations, taking an interdisciplinary approach to policy, research, education, and community outreach. Ghazal hopes to support the organization’s mission of health equity through her research and advocacy surrounding adolescent and young-adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Part of the School of Nursing’s faculty since Summer 2023, Ghazal focuses on
the financial needs and hardships of AYA survivors, as well as disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ survivors in this age group.
An alumna of the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, Ghazal was previously involved in the NYAM during her doctoral studies. She also looks forward to joining the NYAM Section on Nursing, a specialty group that focuses on strengthening nurses’ contributions to community health and well-being.
“Admission to the NYAM is a significant honor,” Ghazal said. “I look forward to working with distinguished members of NYAM to promote cancer health equity. I will work across nursing, medicine and other disciplines, as well as across various institutions, to conduct research that impacts adolescents and young adults.”
Next Generation of Nurse Leaders Celebrated at Convocation
The University of Rochester School of Nursing marked the first week of the fall semester at its Convocation Ceremony on Sept. 3, welcoming both new and returning students and celebrating annual award winners. The School welcomed more than 400 new students since the previous year, including more than 150 accelerated bachelor’s students and more than 20 new doctoral students representing a dozen states and seven countries.
“You are here today because of your potential to contribute to the nursing and healthcare profession in meaningful ways,” Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, told students. “We are confident in your abilities, excited for the future you will shape, and ready to support you every step of the way.”
The ceremony recognized the following students for their scholarly and clinical accomplishments:
Nasreen Jaff ’24N received the Clare Dennison Prize, which recognizes a bachelor’s student for outstanding proficiency in general nursing care. Jaff is a patient care technician at Rochester Regional Health and earned her first bachelor’s in biochemistry at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
Laura Callens ’16N, a Master’s in Nursing Education student, received the Eleanor Hall Award, which recognizes an outstanding master’s student. Callens pursued a nursing career after several years in catering and hospitality and graduated from the accelerated bachelor’s program in 2016. She is now a palliative care nurse at URMC.
Justine Clarkson, RN, a Clinical Nurse Leader student, was the recipient of the Michele Unger Leadership Award. The award recognizes a Leadership master’s student who embodies the spirit of Michele Unger, DNP, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC, a beloved nurse leader at Strong Memorial Hospital who passed away in 2013. Clarkson is a nurse at Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Falck Cancer Center in Elmira.
Alexandria Lovejoy, AGNP, RN, was awarded the George Spencer Terry Jr. B’49 Endowed Fund in Nursing Award. This award is given to a Doctor of Nursing Practice student who is developing innovative solutions to challenges facing
nurses, health care providers, and students. Lovejoy is a nurse practitioner in Internal Medicine at Thompson Health. In 2022, she was named Thompson’s Associate of the Year and Nurse of Distinction.
Yuri Choi, MS, RN, received the Jill Thayer Dissertation Award, which is presented to a doctoral student whose research demonstrates a commitment to personalizing or enhancing health care encounters and access to health care. Choi’s research focuses on the needs of adolescent cancer survivors, and the role of parents in promoting physical activity after treatment. She volunteers with several local health organizations, including 13thirty Cancer Connect and the Genesee Valley chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society, and serves as a student diversity officer on the School’s Council for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Wonkyung Chang, MS, RN, received the Katharine Donohoe Scholarly Practitioner Award, which is presented to a doctoral student prepared as a nurse practitioner whose research is improving the well-being of the populations they serve. Chang is a combined MS-PhD student in the Psychiatric Mental Health NP specialty, and practices as a nurse at Hillside Children’s Center. Her research focuses on unhealthy alcohol and substance use among immigrant sexual minority men and has been supported by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Mary Antwi, MPH, BSN, a first-year PhD student pictured above, received the Loretta C. Ford Fellowship. Named after the School’s founding dean, the Ford Fellowship recognizes a new PhD student demonstrating high potential for academic and professional success. Originally from Ghana, Antwi is an accomplished nurse leader, educator, and pastry chef. She previously taught at the Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Tepa, Ghana.
Nursing PhD Students Shine as Jonas Scholars
Two rising stars in the University of Rochester’s Nursing PhD program have been selected as prestigious Jonas Scholars by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Jonas Nursing.
Lea Brown: Driven to Inspire the Next Generation
As a second-year PhD student and Loretta Ford Fellow, Lea Brown, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, brings over 25 years of nursing experience to her research interests in nurse competency assessment, patient outcomes, and the value of professional development.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this scholarship,” Brown shared. “It provides financial support during my educational journey, serves as a vote of confidence in the potential of my research interests, and gives me several learning opportunities.”
Brown, who initially felt uncertain about pursuing a faculty role, has found inspiration in the research and mentorship she’s experienced at the University of Rochester. “What excites me most about teaching is having the opportunity to inspire my future students in the same ways,” she said. “I hope I can motivate these students to look beyond working in their local communities and inspire them to also be actively involved in research that informs state and national policy.”
Erin Vernetti, MS, RN, a PhD student, senior-level operating room nurse at F.F. Thompson Hospital, and student diversity officer, is exploring how stigma and community impact healing for survivors of sexual assault. As a Jonas Scholar, she sees this as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of leadership and education in nursing.
“Becoming a Jonas Scholar feels like a recognition of why I am here, what I have to offer, and the impact I will make on research, the nursing profession, nursing students and scholars, and women and girls around the world,” Vernetti said. Vernetti’s passion for teaching has guided her through roles as a preceptor, nurse educator, and teaching assistant at the University of Rochester.
“It has been really rewarding to guide students through how to approach patient-interactions prior to going in the room, and to engage in deeper discussions to recognize biases, privileges, and experiences of discrimination that have made them who they are,” she said. “Watching [students] have moments of the proverbial ‘lightbulb going off’ is priceless.”
Discoveries in Deprescribing
Jinjiao Wang, NIA Beeson Award
Recipient, Aims to Improve Older Adults’ Safety
Adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who take antipsychotics face wide-ranging health risks, yet these medications remain commonly used, especially during transitions of care such as hospital-to-home.
Those transitions also create an ideal situation for deprescribing – the supervised process of optimizing or reducing the use of medications that are potentially harmful or no longer beneficial – to take place.
Associate Professor Jinjiao Wang, PhD, RN, is an expert in geriatric nursing whose current work involves developing interventions that incorporate deprescribing into home healthcare. It’s an area that is often overlooked: Past research and policy efforts focused on antipsychotic use have primarily focused on nursing homes, but there is less knowledge about antipsychotic use by community-dwelling adults.
Wang recently became the fifth nurse in the U.S. to receive the National Institutes on Aging’s Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award. The $1.2 million award will support Wang’s work to create a describing intervention for post-acute care older adults with dementia who are transitioning to home healthcare.
“This award will enable me to develop and implement an intervention that is important to the well-being and safety of patients and caregivers, and build it into a form that could potentially be scalable nationwide through collaboration with the home care industry,” Wang said.
Transitions of care can be a high-risk period for an already vulnerable population, but they also bring high reward. The change of settings from hospital to home can help facilitate deprescribing more successfully: there’s an existing model of care to support this process, Medicare covers it, and the home healthcare workforce has the right training to make it achievable.
“Members of the home healthcare workforce, especially nurses and therapists, are trained in symptom monitoring and management, patient education, caregiver support, and conducting home medication reviews, all of which are necessary pieces for deprescribing to take place,” Wang explained.
Addressing antipsychotic use
Previous research by Wang and colleagues at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) found that antipsychotic medications are potentially over-prescribed and used inappropriately among older adults in home healthcare settings to address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Based on data from more than 6,000 adults aged 65 and older who were receiving care from a home healthcare agency in New York in 2019, URMC researchers found that adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias were more than twice as likely to use antipsychotic drugs than individuals without those conditions. Their findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society last fall.
“Many times, when those behavioral and psychological symptoms occur, there seems to be an urgency among family members and providers to offer a quick fix,” Wang said. “We’re looking at a medication that is prescribed with good intentions,
but very often is not followed up on and is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes.”
The study also underscored home healthcare nurses’ role in addressing this major safety concern. It utilized data collected by home health care nurses, who have the advantage of seeing everything in a patient’s home and noticing small details. “Being a home health care nurse allows you to have a deeper perspective and see a complete picture of what’s going on in a patient’s home,” Wang said. “We’re caring for a person who lives in his or her own environment, and we need to be holistic about how we assess and support the patient.”
The study’s findings also emphasize the importance of caregiver education, strengthened relationships between home health care agencies and pharmacists, and advocating for access to non-pharmacological and behavioral interventions to improve symptom management.
Evidence for deprescribing’s effectiveness
Through her research and advocacy for older adults, Wang continues to take aging research at the University to new heights. A team of URMC researchers led by Wang were among the first in the U.S. to introduce a deprescribing program for older adults going through a transition from hospital to home.
The pilot program, titled “HomeMed,” addresses the gap in research on approaches to deprescribing in home healthcare. Initially piloted at a New York home healthcare agency with a small sample size of adults who take five or more medications, the program showed early signs of success.
Findings from the study, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association in Fall 2024, suggest that HomeMed was feasible in home healthcare settings, and well-accepted by patients, primary care providers, pharmacists, and home healthcare nurses who participated.
Past studies have found that most older adults are interested in the idea of deprescribing, and providers see it as a good practice to ensure patient safety. However, it does not always happen easily. Time constraints, concerns about symptom recurrence, and patient misconceptions about or attachments
to certain medications are among the most common barriers. Home health care clinicians are in a unique position to help address these barriers, said Wang, who has former clinical experience in home healthcare.
“Clinicians in home health care who have been trained to conduct medication reviews can play a vital role in facilitating deprescribing in the community,” Wang said.
As URMC researchers refine the HomeMed intervention based on participants’ feedback and look to scale it more widely, Wang is hopeful that its impact can extend beyond New York.
“In the future, if modules of care such as those delineated in the intervention can be covered by insurance, we are looking at increased accessibility of deprescribing for older adults in the community.”
The study, along with Wang’s other recent research, also bears a reminder for patients and caregivers to be proactive and ask questions about their prescriptions.
“Always have your medications reviewed”, she shared. “You need to know what each medication does, if you still need it, and if there is a better alternative.”
“Always have your medications reviewed. You need to know what each medication does, if you still need it, and if there is a better alternative.
– Associate Professor Jinjiao Wang, PhD, RN
Gathering information from patients about their sexual health is crucial to overall wellness, yet evidence shows that clinicians need practice getting comfortable broaching the topic. A new University of Rochester School of Nursing study is addressing this gap in education by providing a realistic opportunity for new nurse practitioners to develop the skills needed to put the patient at ease enough to fully discuss the topic.
“We’re always looking at innovative ways to make the education we provide more meaningful and to make a lasting impression,” said School of Nursing research scientist Natalie Leblanc, PhD, MPH, RN. “Sexual behavior is still very stigmatizing and tends to incur judgment, and sometimes that’s on the part of the provider.”
A comfortable and skillful clinician can more easily gain the patient’s trust and draw out information needed for advising on preventative measures and treatment services and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes and stopping the spread of viruses.
“We don’t need to shy away from taking a patient’s history,” said Erin Baylor, DNP, RN, PCPNP-BC, ONP, CHSE, director of simulation and specialty director for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program.
Creating Safe Spaces: Simulation Training Helps Future NPs
Discuss Sexual Health with Empathy & Skill
“There’s
a skill involved to create
a nonjudgmental conversation with our clients and their family members that fosters an honest dialogue.”
Nationally, the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high with more than 2.5 million new infections each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Left untreated, STIs can lead to certain cancers and infertility. Rates of syphilis and congenital syphilis are rising at an alarming rate; CDC data from 2022 shows a 74 percent increase over the past five years.
Leblanc and Baylor recently finished the simulation portion of their study, which used trained standardized patients to “replicate what we knew were the challenges existing in clinical practice. It was an authentic encounter and a psychologically safe space for students to be autonomous in decision making,” Leblanc said.
Simulations focused on three types of encounters: visits with the patient alone, with the patient and a partner, and with an adolescent and a parent. Topics included gender dysphoria, HPV vaccination, sexual dysfunction, pre- and post-exposure to STIs, couple-centered care, HIV status
Natalie Leblanc , TJ Nervina and Erin Baylor prepare for the fall’s interprofessional education simulation to improve sexual health and wellness training for nurse practitioner students and other advanced practice providers.
Language Matters: Using Empowering Terms in HIV Care
neutral approaches, and HIV prevention and care. Skills to be developed included “best practices in patient engagement, use of anti-stigmatizing language, emphasis on reasons instead of risks in communication with patients, and comprehensive sexual health history taking.”
So far, results point to the study as a success.
“One student said that in clinical rotations, they may be asked to step aside when there is a high-stakes situation,” Leblanc said. “The simulation allowed them to be part of what they’re missing.”
Baylor noted that nurse practitioner students – along with nurses, doctors, and other advanced practice providers from the medical center who were involved with the training –referred to it as “a gift.”
As part of the study, Baylor and Leblanc and other instructors planned to debrief with students and review videos of the student interactions. Next semester, focus groups will be conducted with student learners to determine which parts of the simulation worked well and which parts need to be amended. Leblanc and Baylor believe that the results will justify retaining the simulations as part of the standard training curriculum at the School of Nursing.
The study was funded by the Drs. Jeremy A. Klainer and Pamela York Klainer Endowed Award at the School of Nursing, which supports efforts to further the School’s strategic priorities. As collaborators on the project, Leblanc and Baylor believe it serves as a model of collaboration between research and education missions, integrating innovative nursing simulation with research aimed at promoting sexual health and wellness.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIV Language Guide emphasizes the importance of language in combating stigma around HIV. Given that many people living with HIV are already aware of societal judgments, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to use non-judgmental, empowering language during patient interactions. For instance, the guide recommends to:
Say this …
• people living with HIV
• sexual orientation
• multiple sexual partners
• survivor (to highlight strength) disproportionately affected (to acknowledge the broader social factors at play)
Not this …
• HIV-infected (can imply a contagious or threatening condition)
• sexual preference (to avoid suggesting a choice)
• promiscuous (to avoid judgement)
victim
or at-risk
FAMILY CAREGIVERS Championing
Jennifer Brayer’s visits with her mother are often filled with coffee shop dates, short walks outdoors, and trips to the craft store to buy yarn for new knitting projects.
These activities have strengthened their bond and served as bright spots amid the challenges of being a family caregiver. Last spring, Brayer moved to the Rochester area to be closer to her parents after managing their care and finances from afar in New Hampshire. The seven-hour distance became increasingly difficult to handle as her mother began to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Family caregivers don’t always receive the care they need for their own health. Here’s how UR Nursing researchers hope to change that.
“It’s extremely rewarding that I can spend that time with her, and just visit. It doesn’t have to be about a doctor’s visit or a financial appointment,” Brayer said.
Fellow Rochester resident Ivette Alvarez has been caring for her mother, who has dementia, for the past four years. Every week, she looks forward to volunteering at Centro de Oro (in Spanish, the Golden Center), an Evergreen Street senior center for older Latino adults where she brings her mother and volunteers. The center provides therapeutic activity and mental stimulation for her mom, but it’s also a significant part of Alvarez’s social life.
“It’s my happy place,” said Alvarez, who received a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Rochester nonprofit Latinas Unidas in December for her work at Centro de Oro. “She can go there and show symptoms of dementia, and they won’t judge her or treat her differently, and I get lots of love too.”
Deepened relationships and quality time with family are among the greatest rewards of caregiving, but the role also comes with challenges such as increased stress, social isolation, and the nuances of managing a loved one’s condition. Brayer has experienced feelings of guilt about whether she’s “doing enough.” Alvarez sometimes wishes she had more expertise on how to handle her mother’s hallucinations and other psychological symptoms.
These experiences are common for individuals who take on a caregiver role, said School of Nursing Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, a professor of nursing and geriatric medicine who has studied the palliative care needs of persons living with complex chronic conditions and their family caregivers. A growing body of research across the U.S. shows that caregivers may not be receiving the care they need to live longer, healthier lives themselves.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 adults provide some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability, and a third provide care for at least 20 hours per week. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. continues to increase as the nation’s population of older adults and people with disabilities continues to grow.
“The typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list, and most of them probably do not add ‘take care of myself’ to that list. While caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person,” Kitko said.
Researchers at UR Nursing and across the University are actively addressing the complex challenges that caregivers face.
Kathi Heffner, PhD, is a professor of nursing, medicine, and psychiatry who studies links between stress and health in older adulthood. There has been a great need for interventions that affect caregivers’ well-being, she said.
Heffner’s recent research has focused on protecting dementia caregivers’ emotional health, improving their sense of resilience, and helping them manage their emotions and adapt to stressors. Heffner and colleagues across the University have tried various methods, such as a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, cognitive computerized training or “brain games,” and social connectedness and engagement.
“We’re trying to strengthen the resilience of caregivers, so that when they face those stressors — which are going to be inevitable
— they’re going to be better able to handle them.”
Preliminary data from the Mindfulness program showed that participants had an improved ability to regulate their mood around caregiving. Typically, depression symptoms among family caregivers are linked to increased severity in their loved one’s dementia, but Mindfulness participants didn’t show those changes in mood.
Shortly after she moved to Rochester, Brayer had an opportunity to take part in an Engaged Coaching Project for caregivers, led by aging researchers at URMC’s HOPE Lab (Helping Older People Engage). Previously, she had never been exposed to healthcare professionals who were leading caregiver-focused research. The program paired her with a coach for a series of sessions dedicated to improving her well-being and reducing stress.
“Caregivers need support and social connections to enable them to be effective,” Brayer said. “It was interesting to have someone say, ‘How are you doing?’ That’s rare. Usually, the focus is on the patient and their condition, whether it’s someone with dementia, or a stroke survivor.”
While caregivers often report that the role is meaningful to them, it can also affect individuals’ identities and perceptions of themselves, Heffner said. Similar to the experience Brayer had, many study participants who Heffner meets are amazed to learn that there is research dedicated to caregivers and their well-being.
“Having more researchers focused on ways to support caregivers and protect their well-being is so important, especially because caregivers themselves are not always focused on that,” Heffner said.
Nurses and nursing researchers, who are trained to consider the whole person outside of their physical needs alone, are in a unique position to address caregivers’ various needs.
Ivette Alvarez cares for her mother and volunteers at Centro de Oro, a senior center and social hub for older Latino adults. “It’s my happy place,” she said. “[My mom] can go there and show symptoms of dementia, and they won’t judge her or treat her differently — and I get lots of love too.”
“We know that family caregivers often go unnoticed or underappreciated, but that they are also critical to the survival and well-being of the patient,” said Meghan Underhill, PhD, APRN, AOCNS, FAAN, an assistant professor and family nurse practitioner (FNP) whose research focuses on improving care for individuals and families living with inherited cancer risks.
As an FNP working in Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Hereditary Cancer Program, she often meets cancer caregivers who experience added worry and anxiety about their own risks while supporting a loved one.
“Even though risk for cancer doesn’t equate to a cancer diagnosis, it can certainly feel like that to the person who’s actively providing care to a person with that disease. You might be told that you have a 10 percent risk, but it feels like 100 because here you are living with it, facing it through your loved one.”
“Nurse practitioners in genetics look at the whole family’s experience, and we provide counseling and support around that,” she explained.
Amid the worry that cancer caregivers experience, there are also opportunities for empowerment: for many family members, supporting a loved one through treatment is a chance to change their own narrative and take steps toward a healthier future, Underhill said.
“People can say, ‘now I know, and I’m going to get ahead of this. My parent didn’t have the power of knowing they were at risk for pancreatic cancer, but I’m going to get screened, stop smoking, and do all that I can to change that story.’”
While Rochester has made advances in caregiver support, there remains a national need for government funding and resources to translate research findings into programming, said Associate Professor Jinjiao Wang, PhD, RN, a nurse scientist whose work is focused
on improving older adults’ quality of life and health outcomes in home healthcare. She hopes to see more caregiver programs not only created, but reimbursed.
Her research in geriatric home healthcare and personal experiences as a family caregiver have deepened her understanding of the role.
“Caregivers are innovators in their own spaces. They’re charged with a lot of responsibilities, very often with little support, and they find solutions to make things work,” Wang said.
There is also a great need for culturally relevant services for caregivers. Ethnic minority caregivers are more likely to provide care for a family member than their white counterparts, but report worse physical health outcomes, the American Psychiatric Association reports.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Maria Quiñones-Cordero, PhD, is currently working on a cultural adaptation of Tele-Savvy, an online psychoeducational and skill-building program for dementia caregivers, to better meet the unique needs of Latino adults. Evidence shows that the program has helped reduce depression and stress while improving caregivers’ self-efficacy.
Existing caregiving interventions have mostly been developed with highly educated, white populations, and their findings often do not translate to diverse communities. Quiñones-Cordero and her community partners are considering factors such as language, learning and communication styles, attitudes and stigma surrounding dementia, and the importance of collectivism in Hispanic and Latino cultures as they develop an adaptation of Tele-Savvy.
“We want Latino caregivers to be able to see themselves reflected in the content they are learning, so that it can be more meaningful and helpful to them in the process of caring for a loved one,” she said. “It’s important for Latinos to learn about dementia in the context of our culture and community.”
Ivette Alvarez knows firsthand that cultural competency can make a difference. Many of her Hispanic family and friends, for example, are reluctant to consider placing their older relatives in long-term care facilities. “As Hispanics, we’re like, ‘I’ll never put my mom in a home…’ It has to be the total end of the line, where you can’t take care of them anymore,” she said.
While shouldering the responsibility of caring for aging family members is a cultural norm for many Hispanic and Latino families, Alvarez said it’s important to know when to take a step back.
“Don’t be a caretaker every day – you can’t sustain that. It’s too much emotion for one person,” Alvarez said. “Even the best person is going to have a day where they can’t do it.”
Both Alvarez and Jen Brayer also stressed that individuals’ transition to the caregiver role needs more attention early on, and that it’s important to educate yourself on a loved one’s condition as soon as you can.
“When a parent starts showing signs of dementia, you go through that phase of wondering if it’s just old age or something
Be aware of the signs of caregiver stress.
Recognize signs early and be proactive about seeking help. Physical signs might include blurred vision, high blood pressure, stomach irritation, or frequent headaches. This stress can also manifest mentally or behaviorally through signs such as fatigue, feeling sad or irritable, difficulty concentrating, or changes in appetite.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your needs. It’s important to have the courage to advocate for yourself, have a conversation with your provider about your role in a loved one’s care, and ask questions about things you don’t understand.
Top Tips for CAREGIVERS
Keep an eye on your own health.
Stay current with your medical and dental appointments, and let your health care professional know if you are experiencing signs of depression which can be managed with talk therapy or medication.
“You do need to consider that if you get sick, who is going to take you to the doctor, care for your loved one, handle the household chores and your job duties if you’re still working?” Kitko said. “That is why taking care of yourself really should be the first item on your caregiver checklist.”
else. That’s when you start to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you’re doing the right thing,” Brayer said.
“I never knew much about dementia when it first started for my mom,” Alvarez added. “I would have loved to be more prepared. If someone has a parent that’s at the beginning stages, I want to let them know it’s going to get difficult, and to maybe make some videos.”
Considering advice she’d give to fellow caregivers, Brayer said it’s important to be patient and give yourself grace.
“People don’t always realize how isolating or stressful it’s going to be. If someone is new to caregiving and thinking, ‘I must not be doing this right,’ it’s just hard. There’s no way around that. Even if you’re the best family member ever, it’s important to set realistic expectations.”
“Keep reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can,” she said.
Here are some helpful tips from UR Nursing experts for caregivers who might be feeling overwhelmed:
By making your own physical, mental, and emotional health a priority, you are going to be better able to help your loved one.
It’s OK to ask for help.
“Sometimes we think we have to be this super-daughter or super-wife, and we have to take care of everything ourselves, but asking for help is one of the most crucial things we need to do,” said researcher and psychologist Maria Quiñones-Cordero. Needing time off from caregiving duties is essential. Look into respite care services, or ask family and friends to step in when you need to rest.
Make the most of local resources:
For those who live in the Western New York region, UR Nursing researchers recommend connecting with Lifespan, a nonprofit that provides classes, guidance, health & wellness programming, and more than 30 other services for older adults and caregivers. Visit lifespan-roch.org.
Be intentional about making time for yourself.
“That can even be going to another room and doing breathing exercises, or arranging for respite care — not just to do things like buying groceries or picking up medications, but to do something for yourself,” researcher Kathi Heffner said.
Build a support system and share your feelings.
For those caring for a loved one who has survived a heart attack or stroke, the American Heart Association operates an online Support Network with a section just for caregivers at supportnetwork.heart.org.
Set boundaries.
Caregiver guilt is a common feeling, especially when you think you could be doing more. “Say no when it’s appropriate, don’t dwell on what you can’t change, and recognize you are trying your best,” Dean Lisa Kitko said.
Health Chats Promote Vital Living with Aging Latino Community
In early 2022, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing and psychologist Maria Quiñones-Cordero, PhD, partnered with the Ibero American Action League to launch Charlas de Salud (which means Health Talks in English), a bi-monthly series of health education sessions for Rochester’s aging Latino community. Delivered entirely in Spanish, these talks provide participants with valuable information and resources to live healthier and more engaged lives.
A Community-Centered Approach
Health Talks have become an important part of Ibero’s older adult services offering, particularly its Centro de Oro (gold center/senior center) program, which the agency describes as a unique gathering place for individuals 60 years of age and older that meets their social and cultural needs.
Quiñones-Cordero, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical nursing, began volunteering at Centro de Oro in 2018, recognizing a critical gap: “Many participants wanted to learn about health and wellness, but there were no Spanish-speaking health care professionals educating them.” In the first year, she hosted six bi-monthly Health Talks covering crucial topics such as:
• Mental ability changes with aging
• Factors that impact brain health
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• Depression and stress management
Building on a Successful First Year
The program quickly gained momentum. The University of Rochester Aging Institute partnered with Quiñones-Cordero, and Ida Earner ’99N (BS), ’09N (MS), joined as co-facilitator.
Earner – a nurse practitioner and two-time alumna of the School of Nursing – brings a personal passion to the program. The Rochester native went to elementary school in the same building where Ibero now hosts Centro de Oro Health Chats — the Trent and Pamela Jackson R-Center on North Clinton Avenue.
“You never forget your roots,” said Earner, who serves as co-champion for diversity, equity & inclusion for the UR Division of Geriatrics and the community engagement liaison for the UR Aging Institute. “I grew up in the city of Rochester and I’m the daughter of migrant workers. My father had diabetes and many complications with the disease, so I’ve always been sensitive to health care disparities. Factors like language barriers, transportation, access to care, education, financial resources, all of the things that marginalized populations struggle with disproportionately.”
The Health Talks are deliberately designed to be engaging and interactive. Facilitators:
• Deliver sessions in Spanish
• Encourage group discussions
• Provide one-on-one conversations
• Incorporate fun, educational games
“Being sensitive to people’s comfort-level and privacy is important, and nobody likes to sit and just listen,” said Earner. “So, I thought we would incorporate a game at the end of every session. Attendees really love it.”
Real-Life Impact
Health Talks at Ibero’s Centro de Oro have become a key touchpoint between health care professionals and Rochester’s aging Latino community. For some attendees, it’s a fun and engaging way to learn how to maintain a healthy and active life. For others, the impact is more profound.
After one Health Talk about depression last year, a participant contemplating suicide was connected to mental health resources and subsequently improved her mental health.
At another Health Talk, a caregiver shared that her loved one was not receiving the care she needed due to language barriers, leading to a Spanish-speaking neurologist diagnosing a family member with dementia.
Building Trust and Relationships
Perhaps the greatest benefit to participants is that they now have a way to get to know health care providers who speak their language. This goes a long way toward building trust between patients and providers.
“Finding health care professionals who are willing to come out to the community and be a resource is critical,” said Quiñones-Cordero. “Some health conditions like depression are highly stigmatized in the community and people don’t want to talk about them, or they just don’t understand enough to make informed decisions about how to care for themselves. Going out and talking about these issues really opens up an opportunity for people to get educated, ask questions, and make better informed decisions about how to proceed with care.”
It’s a win-win for all who are involved.
“I always leave there with a full heart,” said Earner. “We’re there for them but they certainly are changing us for the better as well.”
Expanding Reach
By 2024, the program’s success prompted Ibero to increase Health Talks from bi-monthly to monthly. Topics now include diabetes, dementia, depression, elder abuse, and cardiovascular
health. Facilitators from the Aging Institute collaborate with Ibero staff to determine which topics should be repeated each year based on relevance and applicability to participants.
“Our Health Talks are making a great impact,”
Quiñones-Cordero notes. “Attendees are more aware of community resources, particularly Spanish-speaking services.”
A collaboration between the UR School of Nursing, Ibero American Action League, and UR Aging Institute.
Add some meliora spirit to your calendar.
MARCH 27-29
University of Rochester Women’s Summit
MAY 1 Day of Giving
MAY 31
Golisano Children’s Hospital Stroll for Strong Kids Walk + 5K
SEPTEMBER 18-21
Meliora Weekend
SEPTEMBER 27-28
Wilmot Warrior Weekend
Visit us online to view a complete virtual and in-person event listing— including those that may be happening where you live—or to watch recordings of past events.
uofr.us/events @uofralumni
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Experience Rochester
Our signature online and regional event series exemplifies the University of Rochester’s commitment to lifelong learning and features topics and speakers unique to the University.
REAL Conversations
This virtual lecture series offers authentic discussions featuring brave and candid dialogues around equity, measurable action, and meaningful change.
Conferences presentations
School of Nursing faculty members Caitlin Dreisbach, Jennifer Truax, Susan Blaakman, and Joanne Bartlett present at Wayne County Community Schools’ “EmpowerMe” conference, an event dedicated to physical and mental health for 10th-grade girls across the region.
Assistant Professor Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are attended INTEREST Africa, an HIV science conference in Cotonou, Benin.
Faculty members April Haberyan, Kaleigh Sullivan, and Jennifer Truax earned first place in education posters at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association’s (APNA) annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Haberyan stands next to a presentation highlighting their work to develop an age-friendly mental health simulation for bachelor’s students, using the 4Ms framework.
PhD student Wonkyung Chang presented her research on alcohol and substance use among ethnoracial and sexual minority men during the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program’s Intensive Training Institute in Washington, D.C., where she also advocated for patients with mental health conditions at New York Senator Chuck Schumer’s office.
Professor Mary Carey received the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Region Leadership Award in recognition of her impact as a clinical researcher, educator, and mentor to emerging scientists.
Recent alumnus Nearco Rodriguez ’24N (MS) presents his research on post-traumatic stress disorder at the APNA conference.
A Cut Above
Nursing Alumnae Drive Hair Equity Initiative, Setting a Model for Inclusive, Compassionate Care
UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) launched a new initiative that will provide hair products for hospital patients and families with all different hair types, including those with curly and coily hair, alternative hair styles, and those who observe religious head coverings. Children’s hospital staff and caregivers are trained to apply these products and help with specific hairstyles such as locs, braids, and beads.
“Caring for families of all backgrounds requires us to be culturally responsive and equity focused. When a child enters our care, we must be able to provide products commonly used by them for hair styling, bathing, dressing, and other forms of self-care,” said Taylor Muoio ’22N (BS), a GCH assistant nurse manager who has helped lead the hair equity initiative. “This program will help us create an inclusive environment for all families staying here.”
In collaboration with primarily Black-and-women-owned businesses, GCH will stock and use hair products specific to hair textures more common among Black and Brown populations. In addition to Muoio, hair equity project leaders include GCH nurse leaders Tanisha Lewis ’10N (BS), ’13N (MS), Rebecca Kanaley ’13N (MS), and Melina Embury, as well as GCH faculty affairs administrator Saabirah Campo and Strong Memorial Hospital nursing diversity, equity, and inclusion director Sheniece Martin-Stancil-El ’19N (MS), ’24N (DNP).
“Families staying in the hospital are already dealing with a lot of stress,” said Martin-Stancil-El. “This program will help them maintain their physical health and appearance, prevent damage, breakage, and scalp issues, as well as accommodate families that observe religious covering practices.”
Rochester-area parent Toni Foster says that appropriate hair care is an important part of the overall healthcare experience due to the level of comfort and inclusivity this provides for patients of
color. Her daughter, Kenzii Dukes, benefited from the service while staying at the hospital.
“Hair care is everything, from the beginning of life to the end of life,” said Foster. “If you have an acute or chronic illness, and your hair is freshened and washed, it can make you feel like a whole new person. It will help patients with different textured hair feel a sense of belonging as well.”
In the lead-up to the program’s launch, GCH nurses and ambassadors engaged in several months of training to prepare them to work with multiple hairstyles. The program will be expanded to other parts of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), including Strong Memorial Hospital and Wilmot Cancer Institute, in 2025.
“This is a service that all families can benefit from, not only at URMC, but throughout the country,” said Campo. “We hope that we can grow this initiative to serve as a model to help patients everywhere feel comfortable and supported.”
Another dynamic Meliora Weekend
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered at the School of Nursing during Meliora Weekend to be inspired, network, dive into cutting-edge technology, and discover the latest in nursing research. A huge thank you to all who joined us! Mark your calendars for next year’s Meliora Weekend: September 18-21, 2025.
(Above) Patricia Larrabee ’77N (MS), an established adult nurse practitioner and the visionary behind Rochester Clinical Research, spoke as the 2024 distinguished speaker for the annual Clare Dennison Lecture. Drawing on her exceptional experience, Larrabee delivered a captivating talk that explored the parallels between nurses and Olympians and the superhuman strength required by both professions.
(Below) Members of the School of Nursing class of 1959 present Claire Darling ’25N and Brittany DeSantis ’25N with a scholarship from the Class of 1959 Nursing Endowment. The fund honors classmates who have passed by supporting nursing students of promise.
“Shaping the Future of Medicine: Mentoring within Diverse Communities,” gathered distinguished panelists and leaders from Eastman Institute for Oral Health, School of Nursing, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, to highlight diverse voices and perspectives and address the crucial role that mentoring plays in healthcare professions. Panelists included (L to R) moderator Nathan Smith ’10M (MS), ’13M (PhD), Le Keyah Wilson ’07M (MD), ’10M (Res), ’13M (Flw), Siddharth Chittaranjan ’27M (PhD), ’29M (MD), Lexi Land ’25N, Luis Rosario-McCabe ’94N, ’95N (MS), ’15N (PMC), ’17N (DNP), and Ruben Costa Araujo, DDS, ’26D (Res).
or visit urmcacademicprograms.smugmug.com/MelioraWeekend-2024 to view more photos from the weekend!
Advanced Practice Across the Pond
Kimberly Treverton Shares Pathway to Nursing Leadership Role at NHS England
When Kimberly Treverton (née Bacon) ’00N, RN, MPA, MSc, was offered the role of Primary Care Advanced Practice Training Program Director for National Health Service England’s (NHSE) East of England region, she drew from the many experiences she had at the UR School of Nursing.
Examples of leadership and support from her time in Rochester had prepared her for the job and shaped her standards for what high-quality support and supervision should look like.
Having worked as a nurse since graduation, Treverton has seen her career progress into advanced practice, and she now uses her knowledge and experience to support trainee and qualified advanced practitioners.
“I have brought the knowledge, skills, and professionalism the School of Nursing instilled in me to every single job I have had,” Treverton recalled. “My preceptors and managers gave me the independence that pushed me to succeed as a qualified, registered nurse, but they also made me feel like I was never on my own.”
In her current role, she works closely with the Regional Faculty for Advancing Practice to support implementation of the NHSE’s agenda for advancing practice, ensuring the inclusion of multi-professional advanced practitioners across primary care. She is passionate about ensuring that trainees and newly qualified advanced practitioners have appropriate support and supervision, especially as primary care and general practice can be isolating workplace settings. In response to this, Treverton developed a guiding document for aspiring and trainee advanced practitioners and contributed to national workplace supervision guidance. Over the past year, she has been
developing resources for a regional supervisor training program to increase supervision capacity for future trainees.
Treverton, who holds a master’s in advanced clinical practice, completed her dissertation on role transition and professional identity for advanced practitioners.
“I remember saying to myself when I first qualified as a registered nurse, ‘Don’t ever forget what it feels like to be a student,’” she said. “This has held me in good stead when I have been supporting trainees, junior staff, or anyone new to the job and it has certainly helped with my current role.”
Treverton remembers faculty and staff fondly during her undergraduate years, especially Mary Sue Jack, PhD, RN; Rita D’Aoust ’84N (MS) ’08W (PhD), David Goede ’94N (MS) ’13N (DNP), a former assistant professor of clinical nursing; Pamela Brady, MS, RN, FNP; Sue Groth, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAANP; Professor of Clinical Nursing Susan Blaakman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, and longtime Student Affairs staff member Nancy Kita.
“They pushed me to seek out new experiences. They knew what I was capable of and were there to foster that. I feel quite passionate about having support and ensuring people have a safe space, whether it is a clinical issue or a personal concern. It is important to have that trust,” Treverton said.
Before getting married and moving to England in 2005, she started her career in Rochester as a staff nurse on the Acute Care for Elders Unit at Highland Hospital, the same unit where she completed her preceptorship.
“The support I received from Ken Trezise as my preceptor, along with incredible leadership from my manager, Kent Haythorn ’98N, was the perfect example of how to inspire students, encourage them to think critically, and prepare for work in a qualified role.”
I remember saying to myself when I first qualified as a registered nurse, ‘Don’t ever forget what it feels like to be a student.’ This has held me in good stead when I have been supporting trainees, junior staff, or anyone new to the job and it has certainly helped with my current role.”
UR Nursing also laid the foundation for Treverton to expand her role and become an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP). Over the past 20 years she has spent in the U.K., she has experienced and helped support the progression of advanced practice roles.
Not long after founding Dean Loretta Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, pioneered the nurse practitioner role and advocated for its national recognition in the U.S., advanced practice nursing roles were trialed in the U.K. starting in the 1980s. Most recently, the Centre for Advancing Practice was created in 2021 to aid in the oversight of the transformation of advanced practice in England. After gaining an independent prescribing qualification in 2007, Treverton took on more autonomous, advanced-level roles and began to see herself as part of this growing profession.
“My career has evolved alongside the development of advanced practice in England,” said Treverton, who has practiced as an ANP in primary care, urgent care, and school settings. As well as her current role with NHSE, she also set up her own limited company, Avonsya Health, and continues to work clinically in urgent care.
As advanced practice continues to grow, Treverton looks forward to her continued work in shaping trainee and practitioner experiences and supporting colleagues working in advanced practice.
“We have an important role in not only encouraging healthcare professionals to think about their career trajectory, but also supporting them wherever they may be on their advanced practice journey,” Treverton said.
“Advanced practice in England has expanded by leaps and bounds since I first moved here,” she added. “As I consider myself part of the cohort of practitioners who developed alongside advanced practice in this country, I can see the progress and growth the profession has had. I am proud to be involved with that.”
1990s
Robert Scott Davis ’95N was promoted to senior operating group president for health and now leads Koniag Government Services efforts in the federal health market. He oversees multiple contracts with the US Department of Health and Human Services, The Defense Health Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, and The Indian Health Service.
Shelly Talbott ’99N was appointed to the Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Services Board of Trustees. Currently, she works at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of emergency medicine and as a registered nurse at the Penfield Central School District.
2000s
Desiree’ M. Branson ’04N, ’07N (MS),’15N (DNP), received the John J. Condemi Award from Allergy Advocates New York for her dedication to improving life, health, and hope for individuals with life-threatening allergies. A three-time School of Nursing alumna and immediate past president of the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State, Branson serves as a nurse practitioner in perioperative medicine at University of Rochester Medical Center and as an assistant professor at St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing. She has been a dedicated volunteer and board member with Allergy Advocates New York for nearly twenty years.
Meghan Aldrich ’08N (MS), ’16N (DNP) was named president of Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, becoming the first woman hospital president at Catholic Health. A member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she brings a wealth of clinical and administrative experience to the role.
Kathryn Violet Edwards ’08N (MS) recently completed her post-master’s dual certification in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at St. John Fisher University and started as a full-time faculty member at Genesee Community College. She was previously a pediatric nurse practitioner at Stony Brook Pediatrics after working at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Emily Wright ‘08N, ‘11N (MS), ‘13S (MBA), started a new role as senior director of provider practice at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, New York. “One of the reasons I became a nurse was to become a leader,” she shared. “I wanted to be a trailblazer in understanding and leading the business behind the care.”
Eric Ledwin ’09N was recently selected as the founding program director of the Nurse Anesthesia program at St. John Fisher University. After completing his accelerated bachelor’s program in 2009, Ledwin worked in the Intensive Care Unit at Highland Hospital. He went on to earn a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia from the University at Buffalo, where he also served as a clinical assistant professor and assistant program director for its Nurse Anesthesia program.
“The rigorous coursework and comprehensive training I received through the accelerated nursing program at the University of Rochester was instrumental in preparing me for the challenges of ICU work and the rigor associated with nurse anesthesia school. The program’s demanding curriculum and supportive faculty laid a strong foundation for my career in nurse anesthesia and higher education.”
2010s
Tiffany Basamon ’10N, ’21N (MS), ’23N (DNP), director of nursing at Heritage Christian Services, Inc.,
was honored among Rochester Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in recognition of her advocacy for people with disabilities and efforts to optimize the agency’s nursing department. As a recent DNP alumna and leader in nursing informatics and ambulatory care, she developed a data literacy road map for ambulatory care nurse managers at URMC as her scholarly project.
Army Captain Arik Steinberg ’12N serves as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with the US Army, currently stationed in San Antonio, Texas. In a recent photo, he is seen handing off patient care to a MEDEVAC team while deployed with a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), where he served as the sole anesthesia provider. CPT Steinberg continues to apply the compassionate care principles learned in our accelerated bachelor’s program to his military healthcare service.
Rachel Steffen ’18N (MS), ’23N (DNP) was selected for the position of assistant chief nursing informatics officer (ACNIO) for the University of Rochester Medical Center. In her new role, Steffen will build on over 15 years of experience in healthcare and continue to drive innovation in healthcare delivery, leveraging technology to improve nursing practice and enhance patient care outcomes.
2020s
Ariane E. Bianchi ’23N began a new position as a full-time instructor of nursing at Genesee Community College (GCC). Bianchi was previously at the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital and has been a pediatric clinical instructor for GCC. She intends to pursue her master’s in nursing education in the coming year.
In Memoriam
1940s
Patricia L. Smith ’49N passed away on Sept. 15, 2024.
1950s
Alice M. Gannon ’53N passed away on May 28, 2024.
Jeanine Dunn ’54N, ’55N passed away on April 18, 2024.
Barbara A. Steagall ’54N passed away on Sept. 16, 2024.
Jean D. Tague ’54N passed away on June 27, 2024.
Patricia C. Johnson ’55N passed away on May 3, 2024.
Elizabeth Clements ’56N passed away on Sept. 3, 2024.
Patricia Shank ’59N (DPL) passed away on May 28, 2024.
1940s
Julia L. Rouse ’63N passed away on Aug. 31, 2024.
Marjorie J. Branca ’65N, ’90N (MS) passed away on Jan. 19, 2024.
Judith Ann Evans ’66N passed away on May 16, 2024.
Mary Jean Tague ’73N passed away on Sept. 25, 2024.
Christine Thurber Ervin ’74N, ’76W (MA) passed away on April 24, 2024.
Nancy R. Reed ’74N passed away on July 22, 2024.
Margaret Wahl ’78N passed away on June 2024.
Alice Mae Kenyon ’78N, ’64 (PhD) passed away on Jan. 1, 2024.
1980s
Theresa B. Litteer ’83N (MS) passed away on Aug. 25, 2024.
Linda Yanklowski ’84N (MS) passed away on Aug. 19, 2024.
Joan F. Bezon ’85N (MS) passed away June 19, 2024.
2010s
Victoria A. Colozzi ’18N, ’23N (MS) passed away on Oct. 11, 2024.
Nursing Alumni:
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FINDING JOY & PURPOSE
by paying it forward
Joining the George Eastman Circle helps us give to all the programs across the University that matter to us—from nursing and health care to the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. My wife, Mabelle, and I enjoy that our membership also provides opportunities to connect with fellow alumni and attend events that continue to spark our curiosity. Scholarship support made everything possible for both of us. Now, we give back so that other students will have the same opportunities.”
ROBERT J. “BOB” PIZZUTIELLO JR. ’77, ’78 (MS) with MABELLE B. PIZZUTIELLO ’63N, P’89 (pictured in backround) Members, George Eastman Circle | Victor, NY
Bob is a medical physicist as well as a musician who performs for the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, playing the Chapman Stick in the lobby of Strong Memorial Hospital. Mabelle, a retired nurse, was the trauma program manager at Strong for over a decade.
Members of the George Eastman Circle, the University of Rochester’s leadership annual giving society, commit at least $1,500 to areas they care about most, for a minimum of five years. To learn more about joining, visit www.GeorgeEastmanCircle.com or call (585) 276-8740 .
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Change Service Requested
This fall, UR Nursing welcomed more than 80 aspiring nurses to the Accelerated Bachelor’s program to pursue new careers. Representing 11 states and 7 countries, they bring rich life experiences as patient technicians, teachers, scientists, firefighters, musicians, and more. All share a common goal of helping others and making an impact in healthcare.
