Loretta Ford, UR Nursing Founding Dean Who Transformed the Profession, Dies at 104

Ford cofounded the nurse practitioner model and developed a holistic approach to nursing education, research and clinical practice.

Loretta (Lee) Ford — an internationally renowned nurse leader who transformed the nursing profession, was named a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and served as the founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing — died January 22 at the age of 104.

Ford changed the delivery of health care by cofounding the nurse practitioner (NP) model at the University of Colorado in 1965 with Henry Silver, a pediatrician. Today, there are more than 385,000 nurse practitioners in the United States.

Read the full tribute story on the University's Newscenter

Honoring the Legacy of Loretta C. Ford

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