CNL Student Spotlight: Nicole Rossiter

A passion for caregiving is at the core of Nicole Rossiter, RN’s work. As a soon-to-be Clinical Nurse Leader, she also knows firsthand that nurses’ roles often extend beyond bedside care.

Part of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Solid Organ Transplant unit, Rossiter has cared for patients awaiting and recovering from life-saving transplants. As she began to notice opportunities to improve processes and enhance patients’ experiences through her role, she found her voice as a leader and advocate.

Motivated by the need for organ donors she witnessed as a nurse, she became a living donor advocate for the University of Rochester Medical Center’s liver and kidney transplant teams.

"I have the privilege of supporting and guiding individuals who selflessly choose to give the gift of life," Rossiter said. "It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I am honored to play a role in ensuring equitable access to transplantation."

Every March, Certified CNL Day recognizes the impact Clinical Nurse Leaders have on the delivery of healthcare across the continuum of care. In a Q&A, Rossiter discusses her pathway to nursing leadership, and what inspires her:

Can you share why you chose nursing?

I am a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing from St. John Fisher University. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. My passion for caregiving began when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s at just 60 years old. I spent years visiting him in various nursing homes, where I formed meaningful connections with the residents and caregivers. His passing solidified my commitment to providing compassionate care to those in need.

How did you know that pursuing a CNL pathway was the right next step for you?

As a nurse, I have always been drawn to quality improvement and patient safety. In my role as an RN and as the Living Donor Advocate, I noticed opportunities to improve processes and enhance the patient experience and their outcomes. However, I realized that to make meaningful, evidence-based changes, I needed a stronger foundation in leadership and clinical systems thinking. The CNL role stood out to me because it blends direct patient care with system-wide improvements. It equips nurses with the skills to assess workflows, identify gaps in care, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve patient outcomes. The more I learned about the CNL role, the more I saw how it aligned with my passion for advocacy, quality improvement, and collaboration.

What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned from your time in the CNL program?

My biggest takeaway from the program so far has been understanding the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration. As the Living Donor Advocate, I work closely with an incredible team of professionals, including our transplant nurse practitioner, coordinators, social worker, psychologist, ethicist, surgeons and many others. Through this collaboration, I’ve seen firsthand how effective communication and teamwork drive system-wide improvements that ultimately enhance patient care.

Advocacy also plays a huge role, not just for our patients but also for the nursing profession. While I provide direct support to all living donors, I recognize how my role extends beyond individual patient interactions. By advocating for process improvements, influencing policies, and streamlining workflows, I can help improve the long-term outcomes of my patients, ensuring a more equitable and effective approach to transplant care.

How would you describe the importance of CNLs in healthcare systems from your perspective?

CNLs serve as bridges between direct patient care and system-level change. CNLs have the means to identify inefficiencies, implement evidence-based solutions, and ensure that quality and safety remain top priorities.
In my work with living donors, I see how small process improvements such as better follow-up protocols or improved patient education can have a lasting impact on donor health and transplant outcomes. I have worked towards improving our living donor follow-up compliance rates to protect our living donors after these incredible surgeries to ensure their health and well-being are addressed as a top priority.

CNLs bring a proactive approach to problem-solving, anticipating risks before they become issues, making them essential to process improvement initiatives.

What advice would you share with nurses considering a similar direction for their careers?

My advice for those considering a CNL degree is to stay curious and ask questions! If you notice gaps in care or inefficiencies, see them as opportunities to explore why they exist and how they can be improved. Our patients rely on our expertise to not only provide excellent care, but also to advocate for changes that enhance safety, quality, and outcomes. Embracing a problem-solving mindset, collaborating across disciplines, and using data-driven decision-making will help you become an effective leader in healthcare transformation.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to take the leap! Stepping out of your comfort zone will open doors to opportunities you never imagined. There is no disadvantage to furthering your education as every new skill and insight you gain not only strengthens your career but also enhances the quality of care you provide to patients.

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