Ciurzynski Elected Distinguished Fellow of National Academy of Practice in Nursing
Susan Ciurzynski, PhD, RN-BC, MS, PNP, VCE, has been elected as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Practice (NAP) in Nursing, recognizing her outstanding achievements in nearly 30 years as a clinician and educator.
An advanced practice registered nurse at Golisano Children’s Hospital and professor of clinical nursing and director of the Center for Lifelong Learning at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, Ciurzynski was inducted formally into the academy at its annual meeting in Atlanta, April 13 and 14.
NAP is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 to advise governmental bodies on health care. Distinguished practitioners are elected by their peers from 14 different health professions to join an interprofessional group of health care practitioners dedicated to supporting affordable and accessible health care for all.
“I’m thrilled to be selected for membership in this prestigious organization,” said Ciurzynski. “It’s very humbling to be included among so many greats who have been honored for their contributions to the profession of nursing.”
Ciurzynski mentors adult learners in a variety of settings and is a leader in designing and presenting educational offerings using interactive and innovative teaching methods. She was instrumental in the development and national rollout of a comprehensive online Care Management Education program, one of the first of its kind to be offered by an academic medical center.
As a senior advanced practice registered nurse, Ciurzynski assists clinicians with measuring process and outcome measures for a variety of clinical programs. Her multi-modal approach for helping organizations improve specialty certification rates and addressing compassion fatigue are among several of her national contributions.
A nationally certified professional development specialist, Ciurzynski helps interprofessional teams to provide continuing education for nurses and other health care team members. She is an integral member of the Rochester Academy of Medicine which addresses the ongoing education needs of interprofessional clinicians across New York state.
She also serves as mentor champion of the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society for nurses, as well as for faculty seeking clinical appointment or promotion. She is the recipient of several awards for outstanding achievements in education and mentoring, research and evidence-based practice, and for improving the well-being of hospitalized children.
