UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health has recognized 11 nurses for achieving significant professional development milestones through the organization’s Clinical Ladder Program, a structured advancement system designed to support and reward nurses who continue to grow within the clinical environment.
The Clinical Ladder Program highlights nursing expertise, professional engagement, and direct contributions to patient care. Participation is voluntary and aligned with the health system’s HEART values — Health, Exceptional Care, Acts of Kindness, Responsibility and Respect, and Teamwork.
According to Finger Lakes Health, the program reinforces the organization’s mission by encouraging continuing education, leadership development, community service, and evidence-based practice initiatives.
2024–2025 Clinical Ladder Honorees
Level 1
Larissa Jordan, RN – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital
Jordan completed an evidence-based practice project on pre-shift huddles, improving communication and reducing falls. She completed CPI training, earned 10 CE hours, precepted for more than 40 hours, validated multiple competencies, and contributed research summaries to the Nursing Newsletter. She is also an active Emergency Nurses Association member.
Madeline VanGorden, RN – Geneva General Hospital (ICU)
VanGorden completed a project on DKA treatment, participated in several shared governance committees, completed CPI training, and is pursuing her BSN. She contributed more than 30 hours of community service, received two DAISY nominations, was awarded a DAISY Award, and precepted more than 40 hours.
Theresa Fletcher, RN, CDN – Geneva General Hospital (Dialysis)
Fletcher completed a safety-focused performance improvement project and maintained national dialysis certification. She earned 39 CE hours, continued BSN studies, precepted more than 100 hours, and received a DAISY Award.
Level 2
Angela Law, RN – Geneva General Hospital (Emergency Department)
Law, a 41-year FLH veteran, precepted more than 40 hours, completed CPI training, contributed 50+ community service hours, and serves on three Shared Governance Councils. She is enrolled in a BSN program, validates multiple competencies, teaches during Skills Week, and completed several performance improvement initiatives.
Bailey Slocum, RN – Surgical Services
Slocum completed PI and EBP projects, helped revise key policies, earned 60 CE hours, and was named Surgical Services Employee of the Month. She is pursuing an MSN degree, serves as a competency validator, and precepted more than 40 hours.
Jake Robertson, RN, BSN – Surgical Services
Robertson presented EBP findings on specimen handling, helped revise OR policies, achieved CNOR certification, and completed CPI and CE training. He validates rapid response and stroke competencies, serves on the ERAS Committee, and submitted four research articles.
Hannah Greco, RN, BSN – Surgical Services
Greco revised PACU and procedure policies, led EBP projects, completed CPI training, earned 25 CE hours, and validates handwashing competency. She precepted more than 40 hours, serves on multiple committees, and received the Morton Orlov Education Award.
Kyla Ochs, RN, BSN – Interventional Radiology
Ochs created a standardized PICC line patient teaching tool, completed CPI training, earned 119 CE hours, and is enrolled in an MSN program. She validates multiple clinical skills, contributed community service hours, and submitted several research summaries.
Katherine Licak, RN, BS, CNOR – Surgical Services
Licak revised orientation guidelines, completed an EBP project on surgical attire, earned specialty certification and CPI training, and serves on the Education Shared Governance Committee. She precepted eight staff members and participated in community outreach.
Christina Pierce, RN – Surgical Services
Pierce developed new discharge instructions, led staff education, and conducted audits on medication processes. She chairs the Reward and Recognition Council, coordinates Daisy Awards, completed CPI training, and contributes to community organizations. She also submitted four research articles.
Level 4
Casey Brooks, RN, BSN – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital
Brooks completed CPI training, earned her BSN, is enrolled in an MSN program, and received both the Nurse Leader DAISY Award and Morton Orlov Educator Award. She validates core clinical skills, serves on the Education Shared Governance Council, completed PI projects, contributed 50 community service hours, and advanced cultural humility and safety initiatives across the organization.
Leadership Statement
“Congratulations to our 11 Clinical Ladder program recipients for their achievements in professional development and contributions to nursing excellence,” said Chief Nursing Officer Greg Hoffman-Fragale, DNP, RN. “This group of nurses exemplifies the culture of learning and patient-centered care that is at the core of our organization.
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