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Nurse Practitioner

Photo of Jahaira Capellan receiving a Presidential Award at the University.
NP Alumni Profile: Jahaira Capellán Improving Family Well-Being Across the Lifespan

Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 — Family Nurse Practitioner and PhD alumna Jahaira Capellán discusses her career path as a pediatric and primary care researcher for NP Week 2024.


Photo of Nate Schacher with the VMA 231 Ace of Spades mural on a wall behind him.
Veterans Day 2024: Nate Schacher Shares Journey from Marine Corps to Medicine

Monday, Nov 11, 2024 — Family NP student Nate Schacher ’23N is passionate about sports medicine and veteran health. He shares his career journey for Veterans Day 2024.


Heather Paessler-Chesterton teaches next to a whiteboard in a psychiatric NP class.
Patrick P. Lee Foundation Extends Scholarship Support for Psychiatric Mental Health NP Program

Friday, Nov 1, 2024 — The Lee Foundation will continue to provide half-tuition scholarships for up to 24 Psychiatric NP students, bolstering Western New York's mental health workforce.


Alumna Desiree’ Branson Recognized by Allergy Advocates New York

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 — The three-time UR Nursing graduate and anesthesia nurse practitioner has been volunteering with Allergy Advocates New York since her days as a doctoral student.


Heather Wensley wearing blue and gold doctoral graduation regalia, standing on a stage and smiling.
Alumni Profile: Heather Wensley Advocates for Adolescent Health Through Pediatric NP Role

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024 — The recent DNP graduate is passionate about adolescent health, both in clinical settings and in the community.


Loretta Ford stands at a podium speaking. Black and white photo from SON archives.
UR Nursing Helped Shape the Nurse Practitioner Role. Today, It's America's Fastest-Growing Job.

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024 — The University of Rochester was an early leader in the NP movement. Here's a look at how the School of Nursing continues to advance the profession.


Headshot of Cassie Weis
Student Spotlight: Through Pediatric Nursing, Cassie Weis Seeks to Set an Example for Her Own Children

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 — Being a mother inspired Weis to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. Now, she's a regional expert who's improving care for neurodivergent kids and their families.


Close up of a Black woman's hand holding her baby's hand
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role

Friday, Apr 12, 2024 — It’s important for nurses to understand that they have the power to make changes that improve outcomes, said Barnes, a longtime maternal health and reproductive justice advocate.


US News Rankings graphic image - No. 21 for master's
UR Nursing Lands at No. 21 in National Ranking of Master’s Programs

Monday, Apr 8, 2024 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 21 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2024-25 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report.


Portrait oAmy Miller standing in the School of Nursing courtyard.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Amy Miller

Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 — Having worked as a registered nurse in primary care and at Golisano Children's Hospital, Amy Miller is now expanding her role and impact through the Pediatric NP master's program.


Jose Perpignan stands in a patient room.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jose Perpignan Jr.

Friday, Nov 17, 2023 — An ICU nurse and co-founder of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, FNP student Jose Perpignan hopes to advance health equity and inspire future nurses.


Ann Quinn standing outside the School of Nursing
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Ann Quinn

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 — Ann Quinn has empowered future NPS as a preceptor, but her educational journey isn't done either. Working in palliative care inspired her to pursue a psychiatric mental health NP degree.


Portrait of Julie Gottfried next to a window in the School of Nursing.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Julie Gottfried

Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023 — Carrying the torch of UR Nursing's leadership in the nurse practitioner movement, Gottfried played a pivotal role in establishing New York's first Pediatric Acute Care NP certificate.


Photo of Kai Mbeke wearing a white sweater
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Kai Mbeke

Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 — As a psychiatric NP and recent Patrick P. Lee Foundation Scholar from Buffalo, Kai Mbeke is part of the solution to mental health workforce shortages.


Nicholas Wodo stands in front of a bed in an emergency room.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Nick Wodo

Monday, Nov 13, 2023 — Nick Wodo became a pediatric nurse practitioner to make a difference in kids' lives.


Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jenna Gonillo-Davis

Friday, Nov 10, 2023 — Becoming an NP helped UR Nursing alum Jenna Gonillo Davis discover numerous opportunities across patient care, research, and nursing education that she hadn't previously imagined.


Photo of Zhihong Zhang holding her award certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
Convocation Welcomes New Students, Celebrates Award Winners

Wednesday, Sep 6, 2023 — The annual ceremony celebrated new and returning students, and marked major milestones for the School of Nursing.


Photos of four of the guest speakers: Susan Weber Buchholz (left), Meghan Underhill-Blazey, Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, Karen Hande
School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit

Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 — As DNP-prepared nurses are increasingly integrated into health care systems, the annual DNP Summit plays a critical role in fostering meaningful conversations about DNP education, practice and leadership.


Mel Ploutz and two summer camp participants wear matching pink shirts with the quote "Let your smile change the world" in yellow letters.
Alumni Profile: Melisande Ploutz Finds Her Niche as National Advocate in Cleft & Craniofacial Care

Friday, Jul 21, 2023 — Ploutz's election to the American Cleft-Craniofacial Association's board of directors marks a decade of leadership and innovation in her specialty area.


Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health

Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023 — Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.


US News Rankings
UR Nursing Ranks in Top 25 for Best Graduate Schools

Tuesday, Apr 25, 2023 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 22 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2023-24 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report. 


Portrait of Dr. Desiree' Branson
Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association

Friday, Feb 17, 2023 — A University of Rochester alumna will lead New York's only statewide association of nurse practitioners. She hopes to encourage other NPs to pursue leadership roles.