2018 News Archive

RN to BS student with professor
School of Nursing Offering Full Tuition Coverage to UR Employees for Select Programs

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing has announced a new pilot program supporting the ongoing education of University of Rochester employees. The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant will supplement the University’s existing employee tuition benefits to cover the full cost of tuition for UR employees who apply and enroll as new students in select degree programs between the spring 2019 and summer 2020 semesters.


Amy DeMott
DeMott Named Director of Passport Health

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 — Amy DeMott, an experienced clinical program manager and health care administrator, was recently named director of Passport Health at the University of Rochester School of Nursing.


DNP Summit Poster Session
Practice, Vision, Visibility: Highlights from the 2018 DNP Summit

Monday, November 12, 2018 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing welcomed more than 100 registrants to its third annual Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Summit on Oct. 26. Each year, the day-long conference brings together clinicians, scholars, executives, and policymakers from across the country to showcase the contributions of DNP-prepared nurses and explore an evolving vision for DNPs to positively affect clinical practice, health policy, and care delivery across the health care continuum. The 2018 DNP Summit centered on a theme of “Practice, Vision, Visibility.”


DNP Summit 2018 - Practice, Vision, Visibility
National Nursing Leaders to Speak at UR School of Nursing's 3rd Annual DNP Summit

Monday, October 15, 2018 — Now in its third year, the DNP Summit is a day-long conference welcoming clinicians, scholars, executives and, policymakers from across the country to showcase the contributions of DNP-prepared nurses and explore an evolving vision for DNPs to positively affect clinical practice, health policy, and care delivery across the health care continuum.


HEED logo
School of Nursing Repeat Winner of Excellence in Diversity Award

Thursday, October 11, 2018 — For the second straight year, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has been selected to receive the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The UR School of Nursing is one of 11 schools of nursing across the country – and the only one from New York or New England – to be awarded the only national honor recognizing U.S. medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, osteopathic, and allied health schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.


Karen Reifenstein, PhD, RN
Reifenstein Appointed to New Diversity Education Role

Tuesday, October 09, 2018 — Karen Reifenstein, a prominent leader in the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s diversity efforts, has been appointed to a new role linking diversity and inclusion initiatives across the Medical Center.


James McMahon
$2.16M Grant Funds Study of Disproportionate HIV Infection Rates Among Women of Color

Monday, October 08, 2018 — Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have been awarded a $2.16 million grant to study disproportionately high HIV infection rates affecting women of color. Women account for 20 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. each year, with the vast majority of those infections occurring in black and Hispanic women. Although they make up 30 percent of the female population, black and Hispanic women comprise 77 percent of all new HIV cases among women.


Like mother, like daughter
Family Tradition: Patti Winn Follows in Her Mother's Footsteps to Earn UR Nursing Degree

Monday, September 10, 2018 — Patti Winn follows in her mother’s footsteps to earn a UR nursing degree six decades later.


Nancy Dianis ’85N (MS)
Distinguished Alum Speaks On ‘Improving Lives Through Research’

Monday, September 10, 2018 — Nancy Dianis ’85N (MS) delivered the 60th Annual Clare Dennison Lecture on “Improving Lives Through Research” at the University of Rochester School of Nursing on Sept. 7.


Kathy Rideout
UR School of Nursing Kicks Off Academic Year with Convocation Ceremony

Wednesday, September 05, 2018 — Nearly 200 students, faculty, staff, and guests attended the Sept. 4 ceremony, which featured welcome remarks from University of Rochester President Richard Feldman, Medical Center CEO and Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry Mark B. Cabman, MD, and School of Nursing Dean Kathy Rideout, EdD, PPCNP-BC, FNAP.


Marcia Fowler and family
UR School of Nursing Mourns Loss of DNP Student

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing community is mourning the loss of one of its students. Marcia Fowler, FNP-C, a student in the University of Rochester Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 27. She was 41.


RN to BS students in the skills lab
School of Nursing Cuts Tuition of RN to BS Program

Friday, August 17, 2018 — Responding to New York State’s landmark “BS in 10” legislation requiring future nurses to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within 10 years of their initial licensure, the UR School of Nursing is dropping the overall cost of its RN to BS completion program by 18 percent. The school also offers a number of substantial scholarships to bolster the strength of the nursing workforce by easing the financial burden to be faced by registered nurses who graduate with an associate degree or nursing diploma.


Sandhya Seshadri hugs Jean Clark during an ENGOAL class
ENGOAL Program: Crossing Boundaries and Making Strides

Thursday, August 02, 2018 — Halfway through their collaborative two-year program, University of Rochester researchers and community stakeholders are making strides in crossing boundaries and educating older Rochester adults about active participation in projects with geriatrics health researchers.


Heidi Button
Alumni Profile: Heidi Button

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 — “If somebody had said to me in high school that I would be a nurse, first of all, I would have laughed,” said Heidi Button ’10N. “And then I would have said, ‘No way!’” But over the years, Button has made a habit of defying expectations, both personally and professionally. After receiving a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 6, she went on to play sports competitively throughout high school and is now an avid cyclist. Button grew up learning skills to self-manage the condition but didn’t picture herself helping other people with diabetes.


Natalie M. Leblanc, PhD, MPH, BSN
Natalie Leblanc Selected as Visiting Fellow at Yale University's School of Public Health

Wednesday, July 11, 2018 — Natalie M. Leblanc, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, has been named a visiting fellow in the Research Education Institute for Diverse Scholars (REIDS) at Yale University’s School of Public Health.


Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP
Lydia Rotondo Selected to Participate in AACN Leadership Program

Monday, July 09, 2018 — Lydia D. Rotondo, associate dean for education and student affairs at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was recently chosen as one of 49 nursing faculty from across the nation to participate in the 2018 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Leadership for Academic Nursing Program.


Artwork of Addiction
UR Nursing Student Curates Art Show on Addiction

Monday, July 02, 2018 — NARTCAN, a free exhibit showcasing a variety of moving artwork created for and inspired by those dealing with substance abuse, opens July 6 at Project 308 Gallery in North Tonawanda. NARTCAN is curated by Justin Chaize, a registered nurse and a graduate student at the University at Rochester School of Nursing’s family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.


Chen Zhang, PhD, MPH
Chen Zhang Named a 2018 Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar

Friday, June 29, 2018 — Chen Zhang, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, has been named a 2018 Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.


Jinjiao Wang, PhD, RN
Jinjiao Wang Chosen for Fellowship Focused on Aging, Mental Health

Thursday, June 28, 2018 — Jinjiao Wang was one of 25 scholars selected for a prestigious fellowship focused on mental health and aging.


Carolyn Chaloner Dow ‘59N
Alumni Profile: A Writer's Life

Monday, June 25, 2018 — Carolyn Chaloner Dow ‘59N didn’t want to be a nurse. She had dreams of being a writer. But her life and career aspirations were rocked at age 13 by the sudden death of her father.


Don Messina
Eight-Decade Connection with Nursing Inspires Don Messina Scholarship Gift

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 — In his retirement, Don Messina has focused on pursuing activities related to his lifelong connection to music and health care. He recently established a rotating scholarship to maximize his support of UR School of Nursing students.


Mary D. Tantillo, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAED, CGP
13 Signs Your Teen May Have an Eating Disorder

Tuesday, June 05, 2018 — UR School of Nursing professor Mary Tantillo is the co-author of the book Understanding Teen Eating Disorders: Warning Signs, Treatment Options, and Stories of Courage (Routledge, 2018). Here she offers 13 red flags that may indicate that your teen has an eating disorder.


Celebrating Nurse Scientists
Celebrating Nurse Scientists: Patients Prosper When the 'Bench' is Stationed at the 'Bedside'

Monday, June 04, 2018 — Nurses bring a different perspective to the complex world of cancer research—one that focuses on patient experiences and quality of life.


Bassett students at graduation
Unique Collaboration with Bassett Medical Center Yields First Graduates

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 — Inaugural cohort of RN to BS students from Bassett Medical Center earn their degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing


UR School of Nursing Commencement 2018
Commencement 2018: Mentorship, Leadership, and the Future of Nursing

Thursday, May 24, 2018 — “Leaders change things, but leadership is not positional,” said Margaret Grey, DrPH, RN, FAAN. “In other words, you don’t have to be the boss to make change. See a wrong, work to fix it.”


Understanding Teen Eating Disorders
UR Nursing Professor Co-Authors Book on Teen Eating Disorders

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 — UR Nursing professor Mary Tantillo co-authors book on teen eating disorders, “Understanding Teen Eating Disorders: Warning Signs, Treatment Options, and Stories of Courage.”


Nurses Week
Nurses Week: Nurses Share Their Advice for Future Nurses

Wednesday, May 09, 2018 — Each year, National Nurses Week celebrates the profession of nursing and the vital roles nurses play in advancing health care. In the spirit of this year's theme, the University of Rochester School of Nursing posed a question to our community of nurses: What advice would you give to future nurses? We are so pleased to share the insight we received from faculty, staff, alumni, students, and nurses in the Rochester area!


Loretta Ford
SON Founding Dean Receives Two Lifetime Achievement Awards

Wednesday, May 09, 2018 — Loretta Ford, co-developer of the nurse practitioner model and founding dean at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was honored with a pair of lifetime achievement awards recognizing her extraordinary impact on the profession of nursing.


Diversity
Diversity Feature: The Changing Face of Nursing

Wednesday, May 02, 2018 — At the vanguard among its peers in higher education, the University of Rochester School of Nursing makes it a top priority to create a learning environment that mirrors the changing demographics of the world outside its walls. Meet some of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni whose life experiences contribute to the school’s inclusionary culture and broaden the spectrum of health care professionals who will care for tomorrow’s patients.


Lucy (Lukira) Carroll
Lucy Carroll Receives Witmer Award for Distinguished Service

Wednesday, May 02, 2018 — Lucy Carroll received the Witmer Award for Distinguished Service from the University of Rochester. The Witmer Award for Distinguished Service is presented to staff members whose careers have been characterized by outstanding and sustained contributions to the University.


Susan Ciurzynski, PhD, RN-BC, MS, PNP, VCE
Ciurzynski Elected Distinguished Fellow of National Academy of Practice in Nursing

Monday, April 16, 2018 — Susan Ciurzynski, PhD, RN-BC, MS, PNP, VCE, has been elected as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Practice (NAP) in Nursing, recognizing her outstanding achievements in nearly 30 years as a clinician and educator.


pregnant woman holding belly
NIH Study to Examine Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Maternal Health, Biology

Monday, April 16, 2018 — With a five-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center will conduct a longitudinal study that extends from early pregnancy until three years postpartum to better understand how changes during the perinatal period may identify mothers at risk for future cardiometabolic problems and the modifiable factors that can help reduce those risks.


Mattia Gilmartin, PhD, MBA, is a leader in nurse entrepreneurship.
School of Nursing to Host Nurse Entrepreneurship Presentation

Friday, April 13, 2018 — With extensive experience in health care innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, Dr. Gilmartin will share insight on social entrepreneurship and innovation within established institutions in a presentation titled “Nurse Entrepreneurs: Skills to Advance the Profession’s Mission of Social Change.”


School of Nursing Logo
School of Nursing Unveils Online Care Management Education Program

Friday, April 13, 2018 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing has launched a new online program designed for nurses or other health care professionals interested in pursuing advanced education in care management.


National Nurses Week
Help Us Celebrate National Nurses Week. Share Your Advice!

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 — The School of Nursing is calling all nurses to share their advice with future generations of nurses. Your story will be featured during National Nurses Week this May 6-12.


Margaret Grey, DrPH, RN, FAAN
UR School of Nursing 2018 Commencement Speaker Announced

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 — Margaret Grey, DrPH, RN, FAAN, former dean and current Annie W. Goodrich Professor Nursing at the Yale School of Nursing, will deliver the commencement address at the University of Rochester School of Nursing graduation ceremony on Friday, May 18 at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.


US News Rankings
Two UR Nursing NP Programs Ranked in Top 20 by U.S. News

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 — Two University of Rochester School of Nursing nurse practitioner programs are among the top 20 in the nation, according to new rankings released by U.S. News and World Report.


Patty Bellohusen
Alumni Profile: Patty Bellohusen Charts Her Own Path As a CNL

Sunday, March 18, 2018 — After surviving breast cancer and graduating with a Clinical Nurse Leader degree, Patricia Bellohusen’s skill set didn’t quite fit in any traditional mold. But her determination and forward-thinking approach led her to a new calling at Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Survivorship Program.


School of Nursing Logo
Karen Davis Tapped as Chief Nursing Executive

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 — Karen K. Davis, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, a nursing leader with 30 years of experience at Johns Hopkins Health System, has been selected as Associate Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) with nursing oversight responsibilities for Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, and affiliated UR Medicine hospitals.


School of Nursing Logo
Alumni to Participate in Certified CNL Day Webinar March 19

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 — Two School of Nursing alumni will speak about their experiences as Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) during a webinar hosted by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC).


Nicholas Arcieri
Alumni Profile: Nicholas Arcieri on the Health Care Management Program

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 — Alumnus Nicholas Arcieri shares how the Health Care Management program prepared him to lead software development in a health care setting.


DNP student Jenna Gonillo, MS, ACNPC-AG, CCRN discusses her poster presentation on advanced practice provider burnout on DNP Project Day.
Tenth Annual DNP Project Day Highlights Students' Efforts to Improve Health Care

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 — On January 26, the School of Nursing hosted its tenth annual Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Day. Each year, the event showcases students’ areas of clinical interest and provides a forum for exchanging ideas and suggestions to strengthen scholarly work.


Kathy Rideout
Kathy Rideout Receives Health Care Achievement Award

Monday, February 19, 2018 — Kathy Rideout was recognized with a 2018 Rochester Business Journal Health Care Achievement Award for her more than 40 years of contributions as a pediatric nurse, educator, administrator, executive, advocate, research, and mentor.


School of Nursing Logo
UR School of Nursing Ranks Among Nation's Best in NIH Funding

Friday, February 16, 2018 — The University of Rochester ranks among the top 30 U.S. nursing schools in research funding received from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the eighth time in 10 years.


Renu Singh
Renu Singh Named a 'Woman of Excellence'

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 — Rochester Business Journal has named Renu Singh, MS, senior associate dean of operations at the School of Nursing and CEO of UR Medicine’s Center for Employee Wellness, to its inaugural class of Women of Excellence Award recipients.


National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
School of Nursing to Host Events During National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Monday, February 05, 2018 — The Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders and the University of Rochester School of Nursing are hosting a series of events during National Eating Disorders Awareness week (Feb. 25 - March 3).


Jonathan Wetherbee
Wetherbee Recognized with Presidential Diversity Award

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 — Jonathan Wetherbee, an eloquent and passionate advocate for a more welcoming and accepting campus community, was honored earlier this month with the 2018 University of Rochester Presidential Diversity Award.


Kathi Heffner
Heffner Appointed Associate Chief of Research for Geriatrics

Thursday, January 25, 2018 — Kathi Heffner, PhD, an accomplished researcher whose work focuses on stress and aging, has been named associate chief of research for the Division of Geriatrics and Aging in the Department of Medicine.


US News Rankings
Study to Explore Possible Synergistic Effects of Exercise, Brain Training in Preventing Dementia

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 — Can a workout regimen for your mind and body help to fend off Alzheimer’s disease? Physical and mental activity have been shown to boost brain function in different ways, but a new study will look to see if the benefits of engaging in a rigorously designed program that includes both aerobic exercise and brain training will complement each other, producing greater gains in cognition than if both activities had been done independently.


Mina Attin, Ph.D., R.N.
School of Nursing Professor Recognized by American Heart Association

Thursday, January 18, 2018 — Mina Attin, Ph.D., R.N., an assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, has been honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) for her work to improve those odds in patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.


Madeline H. Schmitt, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP
Professor Emeritus of Nursing Honored by Rochester Academy of Medicine

Tuesday, January 09, 2018 — Madeline Hubbard Schmitt ’65N, ’70 (MA), PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, professor emeritus of nursing, received a Distinguished Service Award from the Rochester Academy of Medicine on Tuesday for her achievements in advancing inter-professional education and practice.


Kathi Heffner
Heffner Selected for Emerging Leaders in Aging Scholars Program

Tuesday, January 02, 2018 — Kathi Heffner, PhD, associate professor in the University of Rochester School of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatry, was among a select group of scholars chosen to participate in a yearlong national geriatric leadership development program.