Celebrating NP Week 2023: Amy Miller

The University of Rochester School of Nursing's founding dean, Dr. Loretta Ford, co-founded the nurse practitioner role more than 50 years ago, paving the way for advanced nursing education at Rochester, changing the face of the nursing profession, and bringing greater respect and appreciation for the role of nurses and NPs.

In honor of NP Week 2023, the School of Nursing is sharing stories and perspectives from alumni and students of its NP programs.

Amy Miller, RN has worked at Golisano Children's Hospital and in pediatric primary care for UR Medicine. She is currently pursuing her master's in the School of Nursing's Pediatric NP (PNP) program to expand her knowledge, provide a higher level of care, and make a bigger impact on the children she works with.

"I knew I would receive a well-rounded education and work with people who are really invested in my education here," she said. "The faculty are knowledgeable and have been in the hospital setting. They've been where I've been, and are doing what I want to do."

How did you discover a passion for pediatric nursing?

Kids are an inspiration. They are full of hope and joy and resilience and they teach us more about ourselves than we could ever teach them. My family is Italian, and I grew up with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kids have always been part of who I am, so I couldn't imagine a day without working with children!

Where have you completed clinical preceptor experiences?

I have been lucky enough to have had a variety of clinical experiences. I have worked with primary care, pediatric primary care, peds cardiology, Hillside Children's Center, and next semester, I am thrilled to be starting clinical hours in Neurogenetics.

Tell us about a faculty member or preceptor who made a difference for you.

Julie Albright Gottfried has been my advisor, mentor, and most importantly, my inspiration for what a great PNP should be. She is someone who you just genuinely feel better being around. She is by far the textbook definition of someone who should work with children. I have known Julie since I started my nursing journey more than 10 years ago at GCH. I have yet to see her without her calm, sunny disposition or a smile on her face, no matter what the circumstance. Not only is she beyond brilliant, but she is also patient and kind with anyone she meets. If I am half the PNP that she is, I will consider myself a very lucky person. Julie, thank you for all of your guidance throughout this program!

What kind of support has helped you balance returning to school with work and life commitments?

The balance in the beginning was harder than I thought. I was working full time, going to school, and raising twins. I also had not been in school for over 10 years. Thankfully with the help of my family, flexibility with my job, and the guidance of amazing preceptors and faculty, I have been able to accomplish academic, professional, and personal goals throughout the last two years. Without my “village,” I am not sure how I would have done it. I am very fortunate for the people who have believed in me and helped me achieve my dreams.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?

It's amazing to see kids who start off with little hope and just prove everyone wrong and do extraordinary things.They just bounce back in ways they don't get enough credit for. To be a part of that and to watch them grow and develop and watch their families and you become part of that family, it's just there's no better career.

Learn more about the Pediatric NP program.