Bassett Healthcare Network Graduates Six in the Largest Rural-Based Nurse Practitioner Residency Program on the East Coast

Cooperstown, NY - Six graduates from Bassett’s Healthcare Network’s post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program crossed the stage at commencement recently at the Otesaga Resort and Hotel in Cooperstown.

Bassett’s 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, DNP, FNP, Program Director, residents serve their year-long residencies with mentorships in family medicine across Bassett Healthcare Network. Residents also complete rotations in specialty disciplines, 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. 

“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 – 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.

“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,” said Dr. Rys. “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, PA-C, MHA, 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.”

Information about Bassett’s post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program can be found here.

Graduates from the class of 2023 are:

Joel Evans, FNP-BC

Accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cobleskill Primary Care

Alyson Felt, FNP-BB

Accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Community Health Center of The North Country

Michelle Gordon, FNP-BC

Accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Adelante Healthcare Peoria in Peoria, Arizona

Hailey Ryan, FNP-BC

Accepted a family nurse practitioner position at Bassett Healthcare Network in Hematology/Oncology

Nichole Shene, FNP-BC

Post-Graduate Position: TBD

Drenell Yarde, FNP-BC

Post-Graduate Position: TBD

More information about Bassett’s post-graduate family nurse practitioner residency program can be found here.