The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State has named Janice Ceccucci, DNP, FNP-BC, as its Nurse Practitioner of the Year. Ceccucci is a family nurse practitioner for the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP). The award was presented at the organization’s 35th annual conference, held October 16-20, in Verona, New York.
Ceccucci works per-diem for SPHP as a family nurse practitioner, assisting with pediatric coverage and exams in the 10 child advocacy centers the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program covers. She began her career working with sexual assault victims in the emergency department. Recognizing that there were gaps in services, particularly for child sex abuse victims, she decided to pursue forensic nursing.
A leader in promoting the profession to the next generation, Ceccucci is an assistant professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. She is also the co-director and developer of Saratoga Hospital’s Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program, which is structured to provide a supportive entry into practice for Advanced Practice Providers.
“I’m proud to be the recipient of the NP of the Year,” said Ceccucci. “There are so many wonderful opportunities in nursing. For newer NPs, I would advise they take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. I love being an NP. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
About the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State
The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State is the only statewide professional association of nurse practitioners. It promotes high standards of healthcare delivery through the empowerment of nurse practitioners and the profession throughout New York state.
About SPHP’s Forensic Nurse Examiner Program
The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at St. Peter’s Health Partners features certified forensic nurses who work with sexual assault and crime victim counselors when victims request a forensic rape exam at Samaritan, St. Peter’s, and Albany Memorial hospitals. Forensic nurses complete physical exams, evidence collection, testing, treatment, and provide follow up care instructions. This specially trained forensic professional is able to provide expert testimony in a court case, if necessary.
