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Share thisDebbie Fracassi ’13 (Master of Science, Nursing Education) – There’s Always Something New to Learn
Debbie Fracassi ’13 (Master of Science, Nursing Education) is a Perioperative Service Nurse Educator and Nursing professional Development Specialist for the University of Rochester Medical Center. She loves her work, and her time at Roberts just reinforced the importance of being a lifelong learner and positive change agent in her profession.
Debbie has a quote by Leo Buscaglia (author of many NY Times bestselling inspirational books) that describes what nursing is all about to her:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
It’s that sentiment that drives her to be the best nurse she can be and to teach others how to be better at their profession.
Debbie had a great Roberts experience, and says this about her time:
“Intellectually, I was provided the resources and knowledge to fully embrace lifelong learning, improve my passion for teaching, including how to look at the world of nursing education through diverse, caring and compassionate eyes. There was a partnership of learning between the professors and our student cohort group that was extraordinarily special. We discussed, presented and engaged in each other’s learning successes to enhance our teaching skills and shape our attitudes toward student-centered learning.
Professionally, while in school obtaining my Master’s, I was able to secure my dream job in Nursing Professional Development as a Perioperative Nurse Educator at URMC. After graduating I was promoted to the Service Perioperative Nurse Educator position. I obtained my certification in Nursing Professional Development, which has allowed me to continue to pursue lifelong learning opportunities and continue to grow professionally. I also was honored and privileged to be able to teach as an adjunct professor at Roberts for senior nursing students (one course) during several spring semesters. Most recently I was able to take the knowledge that I learned from Roberts and provide a poster presentation at a national conference.
Spiritually, I felt a great sense of peace and calmness when I came to Roberts. You see, God had a plan for me (possibly a bit different than what I initially envisioned my career plan to be). Along the way in my nursing career, my path was met with barriers and unexpected life challenges. Life happens with triumphs and tragedies, excitement and sorrows but God leads you down the pathways that were in the plans all along, Roberts was part of the journey and the experience has shaped me into a holistic caregiver and educator, always striving to better myself and help those around me grow and be successful as well.”
Dr. Mohnkern, Dr. Treschuk, and Dr. Crotser were instrumental in her experience. Debbie says, “Dr. Monkern opened my eyes to Evidence- Based- Practice (EBP) and using inquiry to become a change agent in nursing to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. Dr Treschuk was always extremely supportive and consistently raised the bar so that I could excel at my highest ability. Of course Dr. Cheryl Crotser was my most important, impactful mentor as she was also my advisor. She was extremely caring and compassionate, always providing me with the inspiration to excel. Her encouragement and kind words during the difficult days along the journey were inspirational and motivating. Not only was she my advisor but she was a friend as well. I still have several saved emails from her that I occasionally still read and they still inspire me.”
Debbie is married, lives in Hilton, NY and has two grown children. Her daughter, Jennifer, is an RN in the NICU at Duke University.
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