Nurse Practitioner

Mental Health Workforce
Friday, Jul 11, 2025
UR Nursing Launches Initiative to Strengthen Youth Mental Healthcare
A federal grant supports Rochester’s School of Nursing and Warner School to prepare mental health professionals to work with youth in under-resourced communities.

Faith stands in a patient room wearing a white coat and pink blouse.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Nurses Week: Q&A with DNP and Psychiatric NP Alumna Faith Carini-Graves
After starting her healthcare career as a home health aide, Carini-Graves' passion for care and connecting with patients led her to become a DNP-prepared nurse.

Photo of Kimberlee and her dog along a lake.
Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025
PMHNP Student Spotlight: Kimberlee Bliek
A nurse for more than 30 years, Bliek is committed to lifelong learning as she pursues a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.

Dr. Loretta Ford, founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing
Thursday, Jan 23, 2025
Loretta Ford, UR Nursing Founding Dean Who Transformed the Profession, Dies at 104
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.

NP student talks to two standardized patient actors in an experiential learning classroom, designed to simulate a patient room.
Friday, Jan 3, 2025
Creating Safe Spaces: Simulation Training Helps Future NPs Discuss Sexual Health with Empathy, Skill
Clinicians need practice getting comfortable broaching the topic of sexual health. UR Nursing researchers and simulation educators are helping NP students start the conversation.

Photo of Jahaira Capellan receiving a Presidential Award at the University.
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024
NP Alumni Profile: Jahaira Capellán Improving Family Well-Being Across the Lifespan
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.
Monday, Nov 11, 2024
Veterans Day 2024: Nate Schacher Shares Journey from Marine Corps to Medicine
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.
Friday, Nov 1, 2024
Patrick P. Lee Foundation Extends Scholarship Support for Psychiatric Mental Health NP Program
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.

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024
Alumna Desiree’ Branson Recognized by Allergy Advocates New York
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.
Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024
Alumni Profile: Heather Wensley Advocates for Adolescent Health Through Pediatric NP Role
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.
Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024
UR Nursing Helped Shape the Nurse Practitioner Role. Today, It's America's Fastest-Growing Job.
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
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024
Student Spotlight: Through Pediatric Nursing, Cassie Weis Seeks to Set an Example for Her Own Children
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
Friday, Apr 12, 2024
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role
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
Monday, Apr 8, 2024
UR Nursing Lands at No. 21 in National Ranking of Master’s Programs
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.
Saturday, Nov 18, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Amy Miller
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.
Friday, Nov 17, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jose Perpignan Jr.
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
Thursday, Nov 16, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Ann Quinn
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.
Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Julie Gottfried
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
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Kai Mbeke
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.
Monday, Nov 13, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Nick Wodo
Nick Wodo became a pediatric nurse practitioner to make a difference in kids' lives.

Friday, Nov 10, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jenna Gonillo-Davis
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.
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2023
Convocation Welcomes New Students, Celebrates Award Winners
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
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023
School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit
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.
Friday, Jul 21, 2023
Alumni Profile: Melisande Ploutz Finds Her Niche as National Advocate in Cleft & Craniofacial Care
Ploutz's election to the American Cleft-Craniofacial Association's board of directors marks a decade of leadership and innovation in her specialty area.

Natalie Lewis leaning on the School of Nursing sign in front of the school
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023
Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health
Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.

US News Rankings
Tuesday, Apr 25, 2023
UR Nursing Ranks in Top 25 for Best Graduate Schools
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
Friday, Feb 17, 2023
Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association
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.

Julie Gottfried and Mary Starks
Friday, Oct 15, 2021
Rochester Academy of Medicine Recognizes UR Nursing Professor and Student
Julie Gottfried, DNP, RN, CNS, CPNP-PC, assistant professor of clinical nursing at the UR School of Nursing, and Mary Starks ’17N, a student in the Family Nurse Practitioner to Doctor of Nursing Practice program, are among several colleagues and organizations, including the Rochester Black Nurses Association, who will be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to health care within the Rochester community.

Starks
Friday, Sep 3, 2021
Starks, Hudson Receive Student Honors
A pair of UR Nursing students were recognized with regional honors. Mary Starks ’17N, was selected as Nurse Practitioner Association (NPA) student of the year, while Khaleeyah Hudson ’20N received a Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education (RACCE) Outstanding Adult Student award. 

Alana Ramos ’14N, ’21N (MS)
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2021
Carrying on a Family Legacy, Alana Ramos Exemplifies Compassion, Concern for Others
When Alana Ramos ’14N, ’21N (MS) read those words to describe the winner of the Elizabeth Clinger Young Award, only one name came to mind: Mom.

FPMHNP student Erica Boccia
Friday, Jun 18, 2021
Collaboration, Innovative Use of Technology Help Psych NP Students Hone Suicide Prevention Skills
A recent collaboration between the UR School of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatry took an innovative approach to educating students in suicide prevention.

Larrabee
Friday, Jun 18, 2021
Early Graduate of UR Nursing NP Program Establishes Fund to Ensure Opportunities for Others
Proud to be CEO of a woman- and nurse-owned business, Patricia Larrabee also remains proud of her UR Nursing education. Last year she took steps to establish a lasting legacy at the school, creating an endowed scholarship fund. The Larrabee Family Nursing Scholarship will be used to assist with educational costs for students across all programs.

School of Nursing Logo
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Class of 2021: Finishing DNP Work, Nurse Practitioner Lynn Cole Juggles Many Roles
A doctor of nursing practice degree is a capstone to a career of helping kids with special needs get better access and care.

Baylor in classroom
Thursday, Dec 17, 2020
UR School of Nursing to Launch New Acute Care Pediatric NP Program
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is set to launch a new Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Acute Care program, its latest groundbreaking initiative in a history of transformative nurse practitioner education. The one-year post-master’s certificate program, slated to begin in the fall of 2021, is the first of its kind in New York State.

Molly Sherwood
Thursday, Nov 19, 2020
Spotlight on: Molly Sherwood, CNM, WHNP-BC
Molly Sherwood became focused on becoming a midwife before she even knew much about the profession. “When I was about 12 years old I found out my best friend was delivered at home by a midwife,” she said. “I was fascinated and wanted to learn more about them. Then I couldn’t get the idea of becoming a midwife out of my head. I pursued my undergraduate degree in sociology but every paper I wrote and every project I did was about birth outcomes and the role of midwives in health care.”

School of Nursing Logo
Friday, Oct 23, 2020
$1.2M HRSA Grant Expands Nurse Practitioner Residency Program
A $1.2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help expand the Nurse Practitioner Residency program that is integrated into the University of Rochester/Highland Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. Funding of $400,000 each year for three years will be used to expand the NP residency program from two residents per year to four residents per year

Kaydean Harris commencement speaker
Monday, Jun 22, 2020
Spotlight on: Kaydean Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, nurse practitioner Thompson Health Urgent Care, SON faculty member
“My decision to become a nurse goes back to my years in college,” said Kaydean Harris. “I always knew I wanted to be in the health care field because I had a passion for caring for others. But I wasn’t sure where I fit in. I chose the University of Rochester School of Nursing because the program offers the highest quality education, as well as several levels of degree programs,” said Harris, who is a nurse practitioner at Thompson Health Urgent Care and recently joined the faculty at the UR School of Nursing

david goede
Thursday, Jan 23, 2020
David Goede Elected President of Nurse Practitioner Association
David Goede, assistant professor of clinical nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing and lead manager of advance practice providers for the cardiovascular service line at the UR Medical Center, has been elected to lead the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State (NPA). A nursing professional since 1985, Goede took over as president of the organization on Jan. 1. He represents more than 14,000 actively practicing nurse practitioners across the state.

Ying Xue
Friday, Nov 1, 2019
Ying Xue Installed as Loretta Ford Professor
Ying Xue, whose research has helped national policies regarding how and where nurse practitioners can practice, was installed Thursday as the UR School of Nursing’s Loretta C. Ford Endowed Professor in Primary Care Nursing. Loretta Ford, the former UR Nursing dean and co-creator of the nurse practitioner role, returned to the school this week for a visit and was on hand to present Xue with the professorship medal.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, May 13, 2019
Celebrating 2019 School of Nursing Graduates
This May, we celebrate University of Rochester School of Nursing degree candidates from our undergraduate and graduate programs.

School of Nursing Logo
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019
UR School of Nursing Jumps Two Spots in U.S. News Rankings
The University of Rochester School of Nursing moved up two slots in the latest master’s program rankings - landing at No. 35, published in the 2020 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, Jan 14, 2019
Growing Number of Nurse Practitioners Providing Primary Care Offset Physician Shortages in Underserved Communities
A growing number of nurse practitioners are providing primary care in low-income and rural areas where physician supply is low, according to findings from a study led by University of Rochester School of Nursing researchers. The study, released this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association, examined data trends in 50 states and Washington DC from 2010 to 2016 and charted a narrowing gap between the supply of primary care nurse practitioners and physicians, particularly in low-income and rural communities.

US News Rankings
Tuesday, Mar 20, 2018
Two UR Nursing NP Programs Ranked in Top 20 by U.S. News
Two University of Rochester School of Nursing nurse practitioner programs are among the top 20 in the nation, according to new rankings released by U.S. News and World Report.

School of Nursing Logo
Wednesday, Oct 18, 2017
UR Nursing Student Honored by NYS Nurse Practitioner Association
University of Rochester School of Nursing graduate student Darcie Morgan, BSN, RN, CPN, has been named Student Nurse Practitioner of the Year by the Nurse Practitioner Association (NPA) of New York State. She will be presented with the award at the NPA’s annual convention in Saratoga Springs on Oct. 21.

Vehid Basic at graduation
Monday, Aug 7, 2017
The Promise Keeper
His family torn apart by war and tragedy, Vehid Basic fulfills his brother’s dying wish by earning his nurse practitioner degree

Jane Tuttle
Monday, Jun 5, 2017
NP Advocate's Career Forged by Close Relationships, Collaboration | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Jane Tuttle, professor of clinical nursing, retired after more than 40 years’ experience as a nurse practitioner.

School of Nursing Logo
Thursday, Jan 26, 2017
Nurse Practitioner Top Job for 2017 | University of Rochester School of Nursing
Nurse Practitioner Ranked as the No. 2 Job for 2017

Sergio Amador Perez
Tuesday, Jan 17, 2017
OUR Nurses: Sergio Amador Perez Follows His American Dream
OUR Nurses: Sergio Amador Perez Follows His American Dream

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