The School of Nursing was an early supporter and became the university sponsor of the Rochester Chapter of the Black Nurses Association. The school formally sponsored the RBNA in 2019, providing financial support for programming and initiatives.
truly the just thing to do.” The welcoming feeling extended to every corner of campus life. She was also a fixture at student events, from informal gatherings to mentoring sessions with future leaders. She appeared at every orientation, convocation, and graduation, often delivering heart-touching stories at pinning ceremonies about her ongoing work in the Golisano Children’s Hospital working with infants with ostomies. The stories were always tinged with humor and empathy and gently reinforced an important lesson for nurses Enrollment at the school about to begin their careers: it’s always about the patient. has more than doubled “Kathy was a shining light over the past decade, for us,” said Paige Steiner, hitting an all-time high ’21N. “She always had words of wisdom to share with us.” in 2021, with more than “I remember her stories 800 students across all vividly,” Conyers said. “Stayprograms. ing in clinical and practicing
A new 26,000-square-foot addition to Helen Wood Hall opened in May 2022. The new hub for collaborative and experiential learning includes state-of-the-art technology – including human patient simulators, augmented and virtual reality equipment, and a 20bed skills lab that replicates the clinical environment.
humbles her and she expresses that in her stories. If she wasn’t working clinically, she may have been a different dean. But those experiences with patients, realizing that we’re all human beings, keeps Kathy humble. Now it’s our turn to tell our stories of Kathy, remembering the trailblazer that she was and is.” As dean, Rideout instituted a cheerful message to faculty, staff, and students that she sent faithfully every Monday. It includes the highlights and successes of faculty and staff, from papers published and awards won to wedding day and newborn baby photos. All week long she takes notes and collects items to share the following week. It is beautiful in its simplicity – there are no design elements, nothing The School of Nursing formal, just a way to shine launched the Center for the light on others – and quintessentially Kathy RideEmployee Wellness in 2012 out. Although the message to provide a comprehensive came from her, it had little to wellness program to do with her. It was University of Rochester all about promoting others and elevating employees. The program the role of nursing. now serves more than “I sometimes 50,000 individuals think back on that across more than 50 day in the hallway and how different organizations in the my life would be Greater Rochester area. if Kathy had not stopped me,” said Nelson. “I am convinced that she recognized talent and promise in me that I had not yet recognized. Moreover, she made a point to intervene in my life. “My story is the story of Kathy Rideout. She has made her mark on the world by touching lives, inspiring future leaders, and creating nurses who will use their positions to change the world one patient at a time.” “Her footprint is everlasting,” Conyers said. “The Rideout with her associate deans at the Dean's Diamond Circle dinner on April fact that she allows others to work in her footprints 8, 2022. Pictured from left to right: Renu Singh, senior associate dean for finance while creating their own is priceless. I’m just glad I and operations; Sally Norton, associate dean for research; Rideout; Mitchell Wharhad her footprints to follow.” ton, associate dean for equity and inclusion; and Lydia Rotondo, associate dean for education and student affairs.
28 NURSING 2022 Volume 1
