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Faculty Spotlight: Robert Dorman, Associate Professor of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice | University of Rochester (2017)
MS Nursing | Clinical Nurse Leader, University of Rochester (2015)
BS Nursing | University of Rochester (1993)

Prior to Roberts:

I spent over 15 years at University of Rochester Medical Center, in Pediatrics, as a transport nurse and program manager. I am skilled in Medication Administration, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Management. I was also a flight nurse with Mercy Flight Central for over six years. I also have been an instructor with Nationwide for Medical Education.

Inspired to Teach:

I wanted to return to academia and joining Roberts provided that opportunity for me. I really enjoy interacting with the undergraduate students in and out of the classroom and being a mentor and advisor to them.

About Me:

I started teaching at Roberts in 2019. My family consists of my wife, Michele, as well as my children: Jessica (16), Kaitlin (11), Julia (11); and stepchildren: Arianna (17), who will be starting at Roberts in Fall 2020, Aidan (14).

What brought you to Roberts?

When did you start becoming interested in Nursing?

I was in college and was struggling with my options as a political science major. I was also an EMT and really enjoyed that. At the time, I considered being a career paramedic, but was concerned about being able to support myself. During winter break 1990, I was home and responded with my fire department to a fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed the lives of two former high school classmates. While debriefing a bit at the hospital after, I was speaking to a friend who was in a diploma program in Buffalo, and he recommended that I look into nursing. So, when I returned to Rochester a week or two later, I went to the admissions office at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, and begged for admission. I was admitted on a probationary basis, and found my niche, getting my highest GPA of my college career taking nutrition, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology. And, like they say, the rest is history. Thirty years later, I am still in the field and have achieved not only my bachelor’s degree, but also my masters and doctorate, as well.

Do you have any advice for students starting their bachelor’s degree?

Be open and honest with your professors. If you need help, ask for it, and accept it. At Roberts, faculty really want to help their students pass classes, achieve more, and become the best they can be.

What do you like the most about teaching Nursing?

I really like the “Aha!” moments. That moment when the lecture and clinical suddenly come together and makes sense to a student.

What is an academic highlight from your time at Roberts?

In my first year at Roberts, I have enjoyed working with the faculty as a whole. It is clear how much we all truly care about our students. This was evident to my wife and stepdaughter when they came for the academic scholarship weekend as well. Unprompted, they both felt that.

Share about your experience teaching at a Christian College?

To me, it means that we, as faculty, need to demonstrate our strong Christian values to our students, and maintain the principles of mercy, grace, and justice in all of our actions.

What is your favorite quote or verse and why?

Psalm 23 – That verse is up on the wall in tile at the Strong Memorial Hospital Interfaith Chapel. I remember my first Christmas working the night shift and I went to the chapel for a quiet moment while on break. That was the first time I read it and, since then, have come to rely on the comfort that it brings me.

How do you serve your local community or church?

I am a Deacon in the Rochester Reformed Presbyterian Church on East Avenue. Previously, I also served the community with the volunteer ambulance.

What is your favorite restaurant in Rochester?

My favorite restaurant in Rochester is Mamma G’s in Henrietta. They have great Italian food at reasonable prices. It’s a small place with a great atmosphere. It reminds me of some of the small restaurants in Little Italy in NYC.

What is an interest you have outside of teaching?

I love skiing, biking, camping and spending time with my family.

What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?

To take your time and think before making a decision.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I worked with the Baltimore Ravens NFL team as EMS coordinator. I worked at their stadium in 2000 when they hosted the Army-Navy game and won the Super Bowl championship. I also play trumpet in a local band!

Student Insight:

Bailey La Tourette’21 (Nursing)

"Dr. Dorman is an approachable and insightful professor who leads wonderful discussions in the classroom and in clinical settings. He encourages students to ask questions and he talks through the answers with us so that we leave with lasting knowledge. Under his leadership, I have learned so much not only about nursing techniques, but also how to genuinely care for and listen to my patients. His faith and love for God are so clearly evident in the way he cares for patients. This empowers me to be bold in connecting my faith and nursing practice. Dr. Dorman’s extensive work experiences and accomplishments enrich my studies and inspire me to follow my nursing dreams and believe in myself. I feel blessed to have Dr. Dorman as a professor of nursing and a mentor; I am so excited to see how he will continue to inspire and impact students at Roberts."

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