Sally Norton Named New York's Top Nursing Researcher

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 at the Foundation of New York State Nurses.

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.

“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," Norton said. "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), which recognized her as its Distinguished Researcher in 2017. 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.”

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