Nurse Practitioner

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.

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