Nurses Week: Q&A with Master's in Nursing Education Alumna Sarah Corsette

Sarah Corsette ’22N (MS), RN, MEDSURG-BC, has known since high school that she wanted to pursue a career in nursing.

A program at her high school offered an opportunity to shadow nurses for college credit, and wise advice from her mother affirmed her choice. “Sarah, you would always have a job,” she remembers her mom telling her.

At the time, Corsette was a reserved, observant kid, but growing up playing soccer and basketball taught her early on that she could thrive in a team environment. She envisioned herself working at the bedside, not knowing at the time how many doors a registered nurse role would open — or how much a career in nursing would shape her confidence and leadership skills.

Corsette began her career as a medical-surgical nurse at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) after earning her bachelor’s at the University at Buffalo, and was initially content being a bedside nurse — but she felt called to do more.

Today, the master’s-prepared nurse educator is serving as the Unit Shared Governance Council Leader on URMC’s Professional Nursing Council, secretary of the Finger Lakes Organization for Nursing Leadership, and an adjunct clinical instructor at Nazareth University.

Acute Medicine colleagues and fellow alumnae Courtney Hallmark ’18N (MS), ’22N (MS), ’24N (DNP) and Chanea Dougherty ’18N (MS) inspired Corsette to consider a pathway as a nurse educator.

“Chanea was teaching at the School of Nursing, and Courtney was the nurse educator on my floor. As I interacted with the students on my floor and saw how my own mentors functioned in their roles as educators, that became my biggest reason to want to go back to school,” Corsette said.

The decision to pursue a nursing education degree while continuing to work at the bedside helped Corsette fall in love with nursing all over again.

“Now, my former students are nurses on my floor, and they're charge nurses and preceptors. It’s amazing to mentor students and see their growth, and to remember that I have been mentored at some point too.”

Here’s what Corsette had to say about her journey into nursing, education, and leadership:

What is your role on the PNC like? What inspired you to get involved?

I spend 24 hours per week on my floor as a bedside nurse, and 12 in my PNC role. As the unit-based shared governance leader, I oversee all of URMC’s unit councils. It has been exciting to break out of my med-surg bubble and connect with people across the University. I hold monthly meetings where council chairs can present on the work their units are doing, practice public speaking, and learn foundational skills like how to navigate conflicts or run a meeting.

I had never been in a management role on my floor, but felt like I had natural leadership skills. Nicole Hallock, the previous unit council leader, was the first person to hold that position. She saw a lot of leadership qualities in me and mentored me over the past couple of years.

What was your experience as a Nursing Education master’s student like? Who made an impact on you?

When I first knew I wanted to pursue my master’s, I thought, “I need a buddy to do this with.” Three other girls and I started the program together, and we all supported each other through school and watched each other grow. All of the professors have been great, especially Maria Marconi, Lauren Lee, Sue Stanek, and Deanna Drexler, who helped me feel confident as an educator. Dee-Dee Rutigliano has been an incredible mentor to me — she supported me throughout the program and encouraged me to pursue certifications.

What helped you balance work and school?

I took it slow. Some people can do it in two years, but I did it over three, taking one course a semester while working part-time. Working and going to school can be a lot, but it’s doable.

I had a supportive leadership team, and Strong has been supportive of higher education and nurses going back to school. My nurse manager was flexible with my schedule, classes, and assignments, and that made a big difference. I think that’s part of why we have so many successful alumni coming out of our programs, working at the University and locally to help our community.

I was also fortunate to get my master’s degree paid for. Employee tuition benefits and the School of Nursing Tuition Grant helped us get 100% coverage, removing any financial barriers to an advanced education.

What tips would you share with nurses who might be considering a leadership role?

Say yes to new opportunities (and recognize when you need to start saying “no”). Leaning into the uncomfortable has always paid off for me in the long run!

What’s something you wish you knew before you started nursing?

Don’t do too much at first. Then, get involved. I know it can be intimidating and overwhelming jumping into nursing. I always tell new employees to take at least six months before joining a committee, to understand what it is to just be a nurse.

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