Bassett announces nurse-practitioner program grads

The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
·3 min read

Sep. 25—Six graduates from Bassett's Healthcare Network's post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program received their credentials at commencement recently at the Otesaga Resort and Hotel in Cooperstown.

According to a Bassett media release, the post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program is "a rural-based, 12-month, full-time employment opportunity that provides an integrative training platform for new post-graduate nurse practitioners." Developed by Dr. Gregory Rys, program director, residents serve their year-long residencies with mentorships in family medicine across the Bassett Healthcare Network. Residents also complete rotations in specialty disciplines and inpatient services, and participate in classroom didactics as part of program requirements. It is the largest rural-based nurse practitioner residency program on the east coast, according to the release.

"I am proud that Bassett Healthcare Network is pioneering a continuing academic program that both embraces our century-long commitment to medical education and gives unmatched opportunities to rising clinicians," said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. "In the three years this program has been in existence, of the 18 nurse practitioners who have completed residencies, 10 have chosen to continue their careers at Bassett. We are thrilled to welcome two new residency graduates who have accepted positions at Bassett — one at Cobleskill Primary Care, and one at Bassett Cancer Institute working in Hematology/Oncology."

The program's goal is twofold, the release said — to help improve health outcomes and access for patients in rural areas, and "to provide new clinicians with unique practicum experiences after completing their graduate coursework."

"In underserved rural settings — like the area Bassett serves — these clinical rotations offer new graduates an invaluable foundation of knowledge at the beginning of their careers," the release said.

"This program provides participants with a wonderful platform to increase practice readiness of RN graduates entering the healthcare delivery system, immediately following acquisition of their MSN (NP)/DNP degrees and certifications," Rys said. "This year's class demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication. We thank them for their commitment and wish them all the best on the next phase of their careers."

"All of you represent the future of medicine, and I am hopeful that this program has helped increase your overall confidence in working in underserved rural community settings," said Henry Knoop IV, chief advanced practice officer and associate chief clinical officer, said in his keynote remarks at the ceremony. "Your contributions will make an invaluable impact on a countless number of lives. I applaud you all for choosing to dedicate your lives to caring for others."

Graduates from the class of 2023 are:

* Joel Evans, who accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Bassett's Cobleskill Primary Care;

* Alyson Felt, who accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Community Health Center of The North Country;

* Michelle Gordon, who accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Adelante Healthcare Peoria in Peoria, Arizona

* Hailey Ryan, who accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Bassett Healthcare Network in hematology/oncology;

* Nichole Shene;

* Drenell Yarde.

More information about Bassett's post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4ukzzh45.