UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health Congratulates Eight Outstanding Nurses
January 20, 2025
GENEVA—UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health proudly recognizes and celebrates eight outstanding nurses for excelling in their professional development through the Clinical Ladder Program.
The Clinical Ladder Program is a structured system that offers nursing staff career advancement opportunities while they remain in the clinical setting providing direct patient care. The program recognizes professional development and highlights various levels of nursing expertise and contribution.
This voluntary program supports the advancement of our professional nurses, enhances patient care, and helps to achieve organizational goals. Criteria for participation are built on the UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health’s Mission, Visions and Values of HEART.
H- “Health.” Recommending cost containment projects, revising nursing policies, developing patient teaching tools, and serving on various committees.
E- “Exceptional care and service.” Achieving continuing education credits, obtaining or enrolling in a BSN/ MSN program, being an employee at FLH for various numbers of years.
A – “Act of kindness” Being nominated for or receiving a Daisy Award, participating in community service, fixing a department issue and improving customer satisfaction.
R – “Responsibility and Respect” Being a preceptor on their unit, becoming a super user, presenting a professional organization article to coworkers.
T- “Teamwork” Boosting morale on their units, becoming a charge nurse, actively participating in a professional nursing chapter.
Congratulations to our honorees!
Kathryn Lee, RN, BSN, CMSRN - Level 2
Kathryn Lee, RN, BSN, CMSRN, achieved significant milestones in her first year with UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health Surgical Services. In addition to earning her National Med/Surg Nurse Certification and completing 50 Continuing Education credits, Kathryn actively contributed to the organization through data collection, in-service education, and mentorship of nursing students. She served as a Preceptor and Charge RN, and her leadership extends to addressing nurse burnout and ongoing participation in multiple committees. Kathryn’s commitment to community service and professional development underscores her dedication to both patient care and the nursing profession.
Casey Brooks, RN, BSN - Level 4
Casey Brooks, a Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital Clinical Leader with 6 years of experience at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, made notable contributions in both healthcare and the community. Casey analyzed cost savings, revised two policies, and championed evidence-based practice through data collection. Earning 10 Continuing Education credits and obtained a BSN, she also implemented a key process change and was nominated for the Daisy Award. A dedicated mentor, Charge RN, and Super-User, Casey is also a member of American Nurses Association and is active on the education committee while volunteering for community service and collecting donations.
Bianca Quartaro, RN - Level 3
Bianca Quartaro, RN, 3 North Med/Surg at Geneva General Hospital, was recognized for her exceptional achievement on the Clinical Ladder after 41 years of dedicated service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Throughout her career, Bianca received numerous Daisy Award nominations and has been a recipient of the award twice, highlighting her outstanding patient care. She holds a National Wound Care Certification, completed 30 Continuing Education credits, and served as a Preceptor, Charge RN, and Super-User. A co-chair of the Reward & Recognition Committee, Bianca is a passionate advocate for the nursing profession, community service, and professional development.
Katherine Licak, RN, BSN - Level 2
Katherine Licak, RN, BSN, was recognized for her exceptional dedication and leadership throughout her 11 years in Surgical Services at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Katherine’s contributions include revising key policies, enhancing workplace safety, and providing in-service education to her colleagues. She actively serves on the education committee, volunteers her time, and supports staff development through Skills Day stations and leadership coverage. Her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in patient care and nursing practice highlights her as a valuable member of the team.
Jamie Farrell, RN - Level 3
Jamie Farrell, RN, Clinical Leader at Geneva General Hospital, was recognized for her for her ongoing achievements during 13 years of dedicated service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Throughout her career, Jamie demonstrated a commitment to improving workplace safety, advancing her skills with 50 Continuing Education credits, and engaging in community service. She designed activities to boost staff morale, led donation collection efforts, and served as a Super-User and Charge RN. As the Chair of the Shared Governance Quality Committee and an active member of multiple committees, Jamie’s leadership and dedication to nursing excellence continue to make a lasting impact on both her team and the organization.
Christina Pierce, RN - Level 2
Christina Pierce, RN, from Surgical Services, was recognized for her achievements during 14 years of dedicated service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Christina’s significant contributions include revising policies, implementing a process change, and completing 15 Continuing Education credits. She developed a teaching tool to enhance staff education, served as a Preceptor and Charge RN, and chaired the Reward & Recognition Committee. Christina’s leadership, commitment to data-driven improvements, and mentorship of Clinical Ladder participants highlight her exceptional dedication to nursing excellence and patient care.
Morgan Andrews, RN - Level 1
Morgan Andrews, RN, from 3 North Med/Surg, was recognized for her during 7 years of service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Morgan contributed to cost-saving initiatives, researched and implemented new procedure guidelines, and was nominated for the Daisy Award for her outstanding patient care. She served as a Preceptor and Charge RN, contributed to Skills Day stations, and played a key role as a Super-User. Morgan is also an active member of the Work-Life Committee, promoting wellness and work-life balance for her colleagues. Her commitment to excellence and leadership makes her an invaluable member of the team.
Morgan Scutt, RN - Level 2
Morgan Scutt, RN, from Surgical Services was recognized for a number of successes during her 15 years of dedicated service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Morgan’s achievements include completing 50 Continuing Education credits, implementing a time management process, and actively participating in data collection to improve patient care. She served as a Preceptor and Charge RN, provided leadership coverage, and is a member of the American Nurses Association. Morgan’s commitment to community service, process improvement, and mentorship highlights her exceptional dedication to nursing excellence and patient care.
“Congratulations to our 8 Clinical Ladder program recipients for their achievements in professional development and contributions to nursing excellence,” stated Greg Hoffman-Fragale, DNP,RN,CCRN,GERO-BC,MHA,NEA-BC,CENP,LNHA, Chief Nursing Officer. “This group of nurses exemplify the culture of learning and patient-centered care that is at the core of our culture.”
Pictured from L-R: Bianca Quartaro, RN, Morgan Andrews, RN, Morgan Scutt, RN, Katherine Licak, RN, BSN, Greg Hoffman-Fragale, DNP,RN,CCRN,GERO-BC,MHA,NEA-BC,CENP,LNHA, Chief Nursing Officer, Casey Brooks, RN, BSN, Kathryn Lee, RN, BSN, CMSRN, and Christina Pierce, RN. Missing from photo Jamie Farrell, RN.
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