Rome Health has been awarded nearly $5 million over five years through the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s $51 million Nursing Initiative, a transformative investment in New York State’s nursing workforce. The grant supports Rome Health’s pursuit of Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence and provides critical funding to bolster recruitment, retention, and professional development.
Rome Health is one of only 13 hospitals statewide selected through a competitive application process to receive support from the new Nursing Initiative, which aims to address workforce shortages, reduce burnout, and enhance patient care at hospitals serving high-need populations.
“This investment in professional nursing practice will strengthen Rome Health’s role as a safety net hospital providing access to high-quality care for our most vulnerable residents,” said AnneMarie Czyz, Ed.D., RN, President & CEO of Rome Health. “For financially challenged Upstate community hospitals like ours, this level of investment is transformative—supporting virtual nursing, continuing education, leadership development, and workforce well-being as we work toward Magnet® recognition.”
“Achieving Magnet recognition goes beyond just a designation—it symbolizes our steadfast commitment to delivering the highest quality care to our patients and community. It also strengthens our ability to attract and retain top talent, fostering a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and excellence for all staff members,” said Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President Clinical Services Ashley Edwards, MSN, RN, NE-BC. “Together, we will achieve Magnet Status and further solidify Rome Health as a leader in community-based healthcare, providing exceptional care to our patients and creating a workplace where every staff member feels valued and empowered.”
The grant supports Rome Health in developing innovative models of care, including virtual nursing—a flexible and team-based approach to reduce bedside nurse workload and improve efficiency. Virtual nurses can assist with admissions, discharges, documentation, and patient education, allowing bedside nurses to focus on hands-on care.
Rome Health’s nurse residency program will also expand through the grant, offering structured education, mentorship, and clinical experience to help new graduates transition into professional roles with confidence and competence in ambulatory settings.
This five-year grant will fund key initiatives, including consulting services, nursing certifications, tuition reimbursement, technology upgrades and leadership development. Additionally, the grant will fund new positions including a virtual nurse coordinator, two virtual RNs, a nurse informatics specialist, and an educator to expand its transitions-to-practice program into the ambulatory setting.
A Statewide Effort to Support Nurses
Rome Health’s selection is part of a broader, first-of-its-kind $51 million initiative to support more than 6,500 nurses and improve care for over 7 million outpatient visits annually.
“From Binghamton to the Bronx, New York nurses are the backbone of patient care, demonstrating dedication and resilience,” said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, CEO of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. “Our Nursing Initiative is designed to provide the resources needed to ensure they can thrive and deliver the highest quality of care. By supporting nurses, we are investing in better patient care and outcomes.”
“The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s bold philanthropic investment will play a vital role in recruiting and retaining nurses, while fostering the supportive environments they need to thrive,” said Angela Beddoe, CEO of American Nurses Enterprise. “We are proud to be a partner in this transformative effort to help New York hospitals pursue their accreditation journey. When nurses are empowered to lead and deliver care at the highest level, patients benefit—and entire communities are healthier for it.”
About the Funded Nursing Programs
Magnet® Recognition Program – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet® is the highest national honor for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. Magnet® hospitals are known for better patient outcomes, higher nurse satisfaction, and reduced turnover.
Pathway to Excellence® Program – Also administered by the ANCC, this program recognizes organizations that create positive practice environments where nurses excel. It emphasizes shared decision-making, professional development, leadership, safety, and well-being.
Nurse Residency Programs – These programs help newly licensed nurses transition into practice with confidence by combining clinical experience, classroom instruction, and dedicated mentorship, ultimately reducing burnout and improving nurse retention.
Virtual Nursing – A growing innovation in care delivery that uses technology to extend the reach of experienced nurses. Virtual nurses support bedside staff with documentation, patient education, and other non-physical care tasks, easing workloads and improving outcomes.
Broader Impact and Peer Voices
Hospitals across New York are celebrating this investment. Rome Health stands proudly alongside peer institutions in recognizing the significance of this opportunity.
“At St. Barnabas Hospital, we are dedicated to serving the diverse and underserved population of the Bronx with the highest quality care,” said Martine Edwards, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN-BC, Vice President of Nursing Operations & Quality Nursing. “This accreditation not only validates our efforts to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care but also strengthens community confidence in our services.”
“As a nurse at Mercy Hospital, the incredible support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to achieve Magnet® Accreditation and invest in our nurse residency program is just incredible,” said Catherine Nicpon, RN, BSN, CBC. “This investment in our nurses will help us to deliver the best quality of care to the patients that count on us.”
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Nursing Initiative grant recipients include:
● Auburn Community Hospital - Auburn, NY
● Calvary Hospital - Bronx, NY
● Mercy Hospital, Catholic Health System of Long Island - Rockville Centre, NY
● University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital- Plattsburgh, NY
● Columbia Memorial Health – Hudson, NY
● Montefiore Medical Center - Bronx, NY
● Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital - Binghamton, NY
● Rome Health - Rome, NY
● Samaritan Hospital and the Eddy Foundation - Albany, NY
● St Mary’s Healthcare - Amsterdam, NY
● St. Barnabas Hospital - Bronx, NY
● St. John’s Riverside Hospital - Yonkers, NY
● United Health Services Hospitals - Binghamton, NY
# #
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established in 2019 to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that provide direct health care services and address social determinants under five grant program areas: Access to Care, Basic Needs, Healthcare Workforce, Mental & Behavioral Health, and the General Fund. In 2024, the Foundation marked $1 billion in grantmaking to support communities across the State. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/
About Rome Health
Rome Health is a non-profit health care system based in Rome, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York. From primary and specialty care to long-term care, Rome Health delivers quality, compassionate medical care for every stage of life. We are a comprehensive health care system that connects you to the best clinicians and the latest technologies so they are easily accessible to you and your family. Rome Health is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.