- Phone: (585) 276-6068
- Office: HWH 3w108
- Office Hours:
Virtual Office Hours:
Spring'25: Tuesdays 07:00 PM - 08:00 PMMeeting ID: 912 8176 0752Summer'25: Mondays 07:00 PM - 09:00 PMhttps://rochester.zoom.us/j/91099979634
Meeting ID: 910 9997 9634 - Email: Susan Ciurzynski
Susan Ciurzynski, PhD, RN-BC, PNP, VCE, FNAP
(Pronouns: she/her/hers)
- Professor, Clinical Nursing
- Interim Director DNP Program
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Practice Research, 2011. University of Rochester School of Nursing. Rochester, NY
- Masters in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Care of Children/Families), 1997. University of Rochester School of Nursing. Rochester, NY
- BS in Nursing, 1990. Alfred University School of Nursing. Alfred, NY
Bio
Susan Ciurzynski's journey in the nursing profession spans over 30 years, during which she has served as a pediatric nurse, educator, and leader. Currently, she holds the position of Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Her academic qualifications include a baccalaureate degree in nursing from Alfred University and master's (Care of Children and Families) and doctoral (PhD Program in Health Practice Research) degrees from the University of Rochester. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, highlighting her outstanding achievements in research and evidence-based practice, and her commitment to improving the well-being of hospitalized children. However, it is her role as a mentor that truly brings her joy. Guiding nurses on professional development topics such as writing manuscripts for publications and developing slides and posters for professional presentations is a passion she fulfills in her current roles as Director of Clinical Scholarship and Assistant Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Current Focus
A dynamic, diligent professional who believes that a growth mindset, internal drive, and mentorship are critical for peak learning.
Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, University of Rochester School of Nursing (Continuing Education), Rochester, NY, US. 9/2011 - Current
Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Rochester Medical Center (Pediatrics), Rochester, NY, US. 1/2008 - Current
Senior Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong (Pediatric Nursing Service), Rochester, NY, US. 1/2008 - Current
Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, University of Rochester School of Nursing (Strategic Planning and Evaluation of Health Delivery Systems), Rochester, NY, US. 7/2003 - Current
Assistant Director Clinical Nursing Research Center, University of Rochester Medical Center (Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice), Rochester, NY, US. 6/2010 - 8/2011
Service Educator, University of Rochester Medical Center (Pediatrics), Rochester, NY, US. 9/2005 - 8/2011
Advanced Practice Nurse/Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Rochester Medical Center (Pediatrics/Intermediate Care), Rochester, NY, US. 1/2001 - 12/2007
Clinical Instructor, Monroe Community College (Acute Pediatrics), Rochester, NY, US. 8/2000 - 6/2001
Clinical Instructor, State University of New York at Buffalo (Acute Pediatrics & Community Pediatrics), Buffalo, NY, US. 1/2000 - 5/2001
Clinical Instructor, Florida State University (Acute Pediatrics), Tallahassee, FL, US. 8/1999 - 9/1999
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator, Wolfson Children's Hospital (Pediatric Intensive Care), Jacksonville, FL, US. 7/1997 - 9/1999
Clinical Nurse Leader/Staff Nurse, University of Rochester Medical Center (Pediatric Intensive Care), Rochester, NY, US. 8/1991 - 9/1997
Staff Nurse, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals (Pediatrics/Neonatal Intensive Care), Richmond, VA, US. 6/1990 - 6/1991
Most Outstanding Scholarly Practitioner Award
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2018
Education Innovation Award
Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2018
Leadership Poster Award
Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2018
Distinguished Scholar and Fellow (Nursing)
National Academies of Practice, 2018
National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase 2nd Place
University of Rochester Medical Center, 2017
Outstanding Contribution Award
Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2016
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2015
Outstanding Contribution Award
Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2014
Master Mentor
UR Mentor Program, University of Rochester, 2014
Dr. Jeremy A. Klainer Endowed Dean’s Discretionary Award ($7250) in Nursing
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2013
Volunteer of the Year Award
Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2013
Ethicon’s Educational Grant #131680 (~$1000): Wound Closure: Suturing for the Advanced Practitioner
University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2012
Outstanding Achievement in Research & Evidence-Based Practice Award
University of Rochester Medical Center, 2011
Dissertation Award
Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2011
The Katharine Donohoe Scholarly Practitioner Award
University of Rochester Medical Center, 2010
2009 Research Award ($2500) Vital Signs Before Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Xi Chapter, 2009
Nursing Excellence Award
Alfred University School of Nursing, 1990
Ellen Hastings Janosik Award for Excellence in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Alfred University School of Nursing, 1990
Redesigning Hospital Medicine Workflow to Optimize Safe Discharge Practices for Patients Who Leave Against Medical Advice
Alexis Munding, Shannon Moreland
37th Annual Scientific Sessions, Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2025
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Clinic-Based Parent-Peer Support Program for Parents of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth
Heather Wensley
36th Annual Scientific Sessions, Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS), 2025
Boston, Massachusetts
Implementing ePortfolio to Evaluate Competency-Based Learning in Nursing
Drs. Wolf, Brophy, Serwetnyk, Rosario-McCabe, and Greene
2024 Forum on Digital Innovation, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 2024
International (virtual event)
Implementation of a Multi-Component Program to Increase Assessment, Advice, and Referral to Tobacco Dependence Treatment in a Rural Urology Clinic
Drs. Shannon Moreland and Victoria Mesko
American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) National Conference, American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP), 2024
Nashville, Tennessee
Development Of Holistic Admissions Review in a DNP Program Guided by Self-Determination Theory
Dr. Lydia Rotondo
2022 AACN Doctoral Education Conference, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2022
Naples, Florida
Supporting Patient Engagement in a Perioperative Surgical Home for Children with Chronic Complex Conditions: Development and Implementation of a P.R.E.O.P. Protocol
Drs. Robinson, Gloff, Schriefer, & Peyre
The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (The NPA) 36th Annual Virtual Conference: Stronger Together by Staying Apart, The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State, 2020
(virtual)
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Practical Application
Cathy Peters
APNA's Webinar-on-Demand Series, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2020
(virtual)
Development of a Care Management Curriculum: An Academic-Practice Partner Collaboration
Sigma 45th Annual Biennial Convention (International), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, 2019
Washington, District Of Columbia
How Continuing Education Can Define Your Role as a Care Manager
Dr. Daryl Sharp and Allie Duffney
University of Rochester School of Nursing Continuing Education Event, University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2019
(virtual)
Experiential Learning Strategies and Assessment of Clinical Competence
Dr. Erin Baylor
Experiential Learning and OSCE Workshop, University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2019
Rochester, New York
Educating Nurses on the Teach-Back Method to Improve Pediatric Readmission Rates
Luke Angell
2018 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2018
Rochester, New York
Developing & Presenting Posters for Nursing Conferences: Practical Tips for Novice to Expert Presenters
WCI Nursing Research Series, Wilmot Cancer Institute, 2018
Rochester, New York
Mindfulness and Mentoring: A Practical and Progressive Event for Nurses
Epsilon Xi Annual Conference, Epsilon Xi Chapter, Sigma and Western NY Regional APNA Chapter, 2018
Rochester, New York
Impact of Multi-Modal Training on Nurses’ Pediatric Resuscitation Skills
5th World Congress on Advanced Nursing and Quality in Healthcare, Innovinc International, 2018
Las Vegas, Nevada
Moving DNP Scholarly Projects to Publication
Drs. Rotondo, Polomano, & Christenbery
2018 Doctoral Education Conference, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2018
Naples, Florida
Optimizing Outcomes for Patients who Survive Critical Illness: A Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Implementation of a Music Intervention
Deb Hurley
2017 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2017
Rochester, New York
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Practical Application
Cathy Peters
APNA 31st Annual Conference, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2017
Phoenix, Arizona
Evaluating the Use of the Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) Score in the Pediatric Emergency Department to Determine Medical Acuity and Patient Disposition
Heather Martin, Hugh Crean
2017 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2017
Rochester, New York
Developing Posters for Professional Conferences: Practical Tips for Novice to Expert Presenters
WOCN CNY/WNY Affiliates Fall Event, The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society, 2017
Rochester, New York
Saving a Life: Results of a Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Improvement Project
Julie Gottfried, Julie Pietraszewski, Melinda Zalinski
2016 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2016
Rochester, New York
Inpatient Fall Prevention Pilot: Evaluating Available Pediatric Fall Risk Screening Tools
Patty Hall and Jeanne Kirby
2016 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2016
Rochester, New York
Transforming Flat Blogs into Interactive Discussions
Drs. Gomulak-Cavicchio and Olsan
Annual Health Professions’ Faculty Development Colloquium, University of Rochester, 2016
Rochester, New York
Can Nurses Have Fun and Successfully Prepare for Specialty Certification?
Tara Serwetnyk
2015 Association for Nursing Professional Development Annual Convention, Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD), 2015
Las Vegas, Nevada
Interprofessional Simulation Training & Experiential Program (InSTEP) and its Impact on Sepsis Management in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Julie Gottfried
2015 International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH), The Academy of Communication in Healthcare, 2015
New Orlean, Louisiana
Pediatric Rapid Response Team Outcomes: Challenges and Opportunities
Heather Martin
Research and Innovation Grand Rounds, University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2015
Rochester, New York
Improving Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Communication in the Pediatric Emergency Department Through Use of a Huddle Structured with SBAR
Heather Martin
2014 Emergency Care Conference, 2014
Columbus, Ohio
Pediatric Burn Dressing Changes: What Improvements Have We Seen?
Jeanne Kirby
2014 National Nurses Week Best Practice Showcase, URMC Nursing Practice, 2014
Rochester, New York
In Their Own Words - Online Learning Experiences from Professors and Students at the University of Rochester
2014 Online Learning Symposium, University of Rochester, 2014
Rochester, New York
Successful Podium & Poster Presentations
Epsilon Xi Regional Event, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2014
Rochester, New York
Improving Comfort & Satisfaction with Pediatric PICC Placement: A Quality Improvement Project
Cherri Gillette, RN
Annual Scientific Meeting, Association for Vascular Access, 2012
San Antonio, Texas
Engagement at Every Level: Region 11 Conference Honoring Epsilon Xi's 30th Anniversary
Annual Leadership Forum, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2012
Indianapolis, Indiana
An Exploratory Study of Vital Signs Preceding Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest
Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2010
Rochester, New York
Best Practice Initiatives Among Clinical Nurse Specialists and Unit Educators Within a Children's Hospital
Best Practice Showcase, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2010
Rochester, New York
Pediatric Rapid Response Team: Implementation and Preliminary Outcomes
Quality and Safety Council Grand Rounds, Golisano Children's Hospital at URMC, 2009
Rochester, New York
National Validation of the NACNS Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Competencies: CNS Journal Club
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Journal Club, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2009
Rochester, New York
An Exploratory Study of Vital Signs Preceding Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest
21st Annual Scientific Session, Eastern Nursing Research Society, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
Pediatric Rapid Response Team Activation Criteria: A Feasibility Study
Emergency Nurses' Conference Day, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2008
Rochester, New York
Asthma Monitoring and Asthma Action Plan
Teen Asthma Camp, University of Rochester School of Nursing, 2007
Rochester, New York
Pediatric Rapid Response Team Overview
Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2006
Rochester, New York
Is It Okay To Draw Blood From a Peripheral IV Catheter? Bringing Evidence To The Bedside
Research Grand Rounds, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2005
Rochester, New York
Fractured Trust
Timothy E. Quill, M.D.
Schwartz Center Rounds, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2004
Rochester, New York
Handling Tracheostomy Emergencies
Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference, Children's Hospital at URMC, 2004
Rochester, New York
Nursing/Social Work Ethics Rounds: “Child Patients & Their Parents. Whose Interests are Primary?”
Nursing/Social Work Grand Rounds, University of Rochester Medical Center, 2002
Rochester, New York
Wolf, R. R., Greene, R., Brophy, L. A., Ciurzynski, S. M., Rosario-McCabe, M., Serwetnyk, T. M., & Rotondo, L. D. (2025). Navigating a Transition to Competency-Based Nursing Education with a Systematized ePortfolio Assessment. International Journal of ePortfolio.
Cole, L. L., Petrenko, C. L. M., Kautz-Turnbull, C., Rockhold, M. N., & Ciurzynski, S. M. (2024). Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (ECHO FASD): Tele‐mentoring program to increase healthcare capacity for FASD diagnosis. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, 48 (1), 110-121. DOI: 10.1111/acer.15230
Mesko, V., Moreland, S., & Ciurzynski, S.M. (2024). Tackling tobacco use in rural settings: Urology providers surprised by patient reactions. Urologic Nursing, 44 (5), 211-219. DOI: https://doLorg/I0.7257/2168-Hi2i.2024.44.5.2I1
Lent, D., Ciurzynski, S., Carey, M., Pietropaoli, A., Valcin, E., & Anstee, L. (2023). Proactive assessment and planning to address worry improves rapid response activation for nurses. Critical Care Medicine, 51 (1), 515.
Dorman, R.J., Ciurzynski, S.M., & Wakeman, D.S. (2022). Interprofessional Pediatric Trauma Resuscitation Simulation: A Process Evaluation. Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, 11 (2), 82-88. DOI: DOI: 10.1097/JPS.0000000000000340
Ciurzynski, S.M., Gottfried. J.A., & Serwetnyk, T.M., Bezek. S.K., Zalewski, M., & Pietraszewski, J. (2022). Narrative Review of Training Approaches to Address Low Volume High-Risk Pediatric Resuscitation Skills. Journal of Nursing and Practice, 5 (1), 357-366. DOI: DOI: 10.36959/545/406
Ciurzynski, S.M., Gottfried, J.A., Pietraszewski, J., & Zalewski, M. (2017). Impact of Training Frequency on Nurses' Pediatric Resuscitation Skills. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 33 (5), E1-E7. PMID: 28891888 DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000386
Gaisser D, Ciurzynski SM (2016). Reaching for the stars: RN to BSN. Nursing 2016, 46 (1), 18-20.
Martin H, Ciurzynski S. (2015). Situation, background, assessment, and recommendation-guided huddles improve communication and teamwork in the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 41, 484-488.
Sacco, T.L., Ciurzynski, S.M., Harvey, M.E., & Ingersoll, G.L. (2015). Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue among critical care nurses. Critical Care Nurse, 35 (4), 32-42.
Ciurzynski, S.M. & Serwetnyk, T.M. (2015). Increasing Nurse Certification Rates Using a Multimodal Approach. Journal of Nursing Administration, 45 (4), 226-233. PMID: 25803805 DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000189
Ciurzynski, S.M. (2014). Can presentation skills be taught?. STTI's Leader Lines: The newsletter for chapter leaders.
Ciurzynski, S.M., Ingersoll, G.L., Xue, Y., D’Angio, C.T., Chen, D., Parshuram, C. (2011). Cardiac arrest in young infants: A study of antecedent vital signs.. Completed manuscript submission requirements for the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation (National Registry of CPR) Investigators..
Rhee, H., Belyea, M.J., Ciurzynski, S., & Brasch, J. (2009). Barriers to asthma self-management in adolescents: Relationships to psychosocial factors. Pediatric Pulmonology, 44 (2), 183-191. PMID: 19142893 PMCID: PMC2692882 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.20972
Rhee, H., Ciurzynski, S.M., & Yoos, H.L. (2008). Perils and pitfalls of community-based group interventions for adolescents: Lessons learned from an adolescent asthma camp study. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 31 (3), 122-135.
Ciurzynski, S.M. (2007). I know what I’m doing, so who needs to spend time looking for evidence to support it?. Strong Nursing News Briefs for Nursing Practice.
Ciurzynski, S.M. (1997). Parental role change and negative child behaviors following critical care hospitalization. Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Rochester School of Nursing.