UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health proudly recognizes and celebrates eight outstanding nurses who have exceeded expectations in achieving recognition for their professional development through the Clinical Ladder program.
The Clinical Ladder Program is a structured system that provides nursing staff career advancement while remaining in the clinical setting providing direct patient care. It recognizes professional development and differentiates levels of nursing expertise and contribution. The UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health Shared Governance, initiated over four years ago by Ardelle Bigos, Chief Nursing Officer, began this program in collaboration with our nursing leaders.
This voluntary program supports the principles 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, and serving as an employee at FLH for various numbers of years.
A – “Act of kindness.” 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 and actively participating in a professional nursing chapter.
Congratulations to our honorees!
Amanda Brown, RN – Level 4
Amanda has held many different roles at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Most recently as Interventional Radiology Nurse, Amanda has made substantial contributions, from developing evidence-based patient teaching tools for Interventional Radiology scope of practice to chairing the Shared Governance Professional Development Council. A 2023 DAISY award recipient, Amanda is involved in various community services that include blood pressure clinics, turkey trot and Keuka comfort Care. Amanda also holds roles as an Interventional Radiology preceptor and Super User for Moderate Sedation. Her initiatives, such as post-procedure follow-up calls and presentations on cultural humility, underscore her commitment to safety and satisfaction.
Lyndsy Brown, RN – Level 3
With a decade of service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, Lyndsy is a two-time DAISY award recipient. She contributed significantly by developing standard-of-care patient teaching for dialysis patients and revising policies for patient safety, including Cathflo administration. Lyndsy is an active member of the Shared Governance Committee of Professional Development and Safe Staffing, handling roles as both charge nurse and preceptor.
Bianca Quartaro, RN – Level 3
Celebrating 40 years at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, Bianca stands out as a DAISY award recipient. Beyond her extensive service, she has dedicated 50 hours to community service through the “Thrive to Survive” organization. Bianca advocates and promotes nursing by being a Clinical Instructor and participating in job fairs and open houses for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES School of Practical Nursing. She also recruited and mentored one of the nurses who successfully completed the “Clinical Ladder.” Bianca serves as a preceptor and charge nurse while excelling as a Superuser for Glucometers and Angio Catheters.
Regina Blake, RN – Level 2
With 26 years of dedicated service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, Regina has been a pivotal figure as the chair for the Education Council. Regularly representing clinical leaders at nursing leadership forums, she played a key role in the implementation of the Med Sitter Program. Regina’s expertise extends to being a Super User for various systems, including Moderate Sedation and Pyxis.
Jamie Farrell, RN – Level 2
Jamie, with 12 years of UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health employment, is a Shared Governance Quality Council chair. Her leadership was pivotal in the redesign of whiteboard templates to improve patient satisfaction. Jamie is a Multi-Superuser, for IV pumps, RQI, and the Med Sitter Program. She actively participated in recruiting new clinical ladder participants.
Alana Stillman, RN – Level 2
Part of the UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health family for two years, Alana emerged from our nurse residency program. Serving on the Stroke and Chest Pain Committee, she actively participated in oxygen titration and The Joint Commission audits.
Robin Hares, RN – Level 1
In her 8-year tenure at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, Robin has proven herself as a valuable asset. She developed a stroke binder for 2 West and actively participates in shared governance, work/life balance council, and the falls committee. Robin’s role encompasses preceptorship and charge duties.
Devon Schumacher, RN – Level 1
With 8 years of service at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, Devon is a Daisy Award winner who has volunteered over 50 hours providing respite care. She excels as a Super User for RQI and takes on the responsibilities of a preceptor.
