University of Rochester School of Nursing

The inaugural recipients of our Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship are advancing their careers and enriching lives. 👏

Kennedy Gardner, a current FNP student, and Takafumi Yoshida '26N (PMC), a recent Adult Acute Care NP certificate grad, are among the first Noyes Health staff members to receive tuition support from the Saunders Scholarship at the School of Nursing.

Through our programs, they've been able to expand their impact and apply their expertise in the community as they continue to work at Noyes. 🩺

The scholarship program is made possible by a generous $3 million gift from the Saunders Foundation, aiming to strengthen our University of Rochester Medicine nursing workforce across Livingston County and the Finger Lakes region.

Learn more 👉 https://urson.us/4fxj9H3 |

How can nurses provide high-quality care for the Parkinson’s community? 🌷 For Hannah Griffiths, it starts here in our classrooms and labs.

As a scholar in the Parkinson's Foundation Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator Program, the instructor of clinical nursing has thoughtfully integrated PD education into our undergraduate curriculum.

She developed "A Day in the Life of Parkinson's," an experiential learning activity that has improved students’ understanding of daily living and self-care challenges connected to PD, as well as their knowledge of medication management and movement and exercise techniques.

Hannah recently shared results and impacts from the activity in a poster presentation at the annual World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix.

Grateful for the faculty, staff, and partners who move our mission forward. 🫶✨

Our annual Appreciation Awards celebrated teams and individuals making an impact across research, practice, education, and our overall School culture. Congratulations! https://urson.us/3RSP76H

See what it means to be one of our nurses. See yourself here. 📍

Whether you’re looking to enter the profession or advance your career, join us June 9 to learn about programs, tour our spaces, and connect with our faculty, admissions team, and financial aid.

Register today: urson.us/open_house |

Faculty mentors make a major difference in our nurses' careers. 👏

At our graduation ceremony, Assistant Professor Caitlin Dreisbach was named the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Student nominators described her as approachable, clear, and deeply invested in their success, especially when they are learning complex concepts.

Dr. Dreisbach truly embodies the Unification Model, advancing nursing education, research, and practice through her work. She teaches in the Accelerated Bachelor’s (ABSN) program, where she helps students connect evidence, simulation, and clinical practice in caring for pregnant patients, newborns, and their families. She practices at University of Rochester Medicine on the high-risk obstetrics unit and leads research that is shaping maternal and child health outcomes through data science.

Thank you, Dr. Dreisbach, for all that you do for our students and wider Rochester community! 🫶

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! 💙

Congratulations again to our Class of 2026! The future of healthcare is brighter because you are in it. ✨

Researchers like Lauren Ghazal are shaping the scientific foundation of oncology nursing.

This spring, Dr. Ghazal was recognized with Oncology Nursing Society's 2026 Victoria Mock New Investigator Award.

As an assistant professor, nurse practitioner, and cancer survivor, Dr. Ghazal brings a unique perspective to her research on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors' health and quality of life. She bridges clinical practice, advocacy, and research into one goal — improving cancer care outcomes.

Read more about her work: https://urson.us/4fAJiEI✨👏

Coming in Summer 2027: A new pathway to becoming a nurse anesthetist at University of Rochester.

We're thrilled to officially launch our DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, and look forward to welcoming aspiring CRNAs to develop their clinical expertise and leadership skills. Applications open Monday, June 1, with an August 31 deadline.

Learn more and register for May 27 virtual info sessions at 6 and 8 p.m.: https://urson.us/crna-launch 🩺

We're proud to share that Bhavesh Shah '26N is the recipient of American Nurses Association - NY's Future Nurse Leader Award. ✨

Shah was praised by his nominators for his quiet and humble leadership, clinical competence, and compassion, as well as his contributions to fostering a positive learning environment where his classmates feel comfortable participating.

Originally from India, Shah worked as a pediatrician for more than 20 years before transitioning to nursing in the U.S. We're excited to see his continued impacts on both patients and fellow healthcare professionals. 👏

Catch up on our graduation ceremony: https://urson.us/4wARI5f

Celebrating more than 200 grads during our 100th year. 👏 Congrats, Class of 2026! ✨

One hundred years ago, our very first students enrolled in our new school to embark on a career with courage and purpose. Today, our graduates join their ranks as clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders, carrying our legacy of excellence forward.

“Go for it. Don’t have little dreams, go for the big ones.” - Founding Dean Loretta Ford