Valerie Occhipinti Gurnett, MSN-Ed, RN

Professor Occhipinti is a registered nurse with over 30 years of patient care experience. Her nursing journey began as a nurse’s aide and progressed to LPN and then RN. She has practiced as a registered nurse in a Level 1 trauma center, caring for patients with brain trauma, orthopedic conditions, and those requiring rehabilitation. Her clinical experience expanded to several years in home care, followed by work with a special-needs population across the five boroughs of New York City, educating patients about their health while helping them navigate SDOH- and language-related barriers. Her degrees include an AAS from Niagara County Community College, a BSN, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Roberts Wesleyan University.

Professor Occhipinti has served on a variety of Professional Development committees during her time at an inner-city psychiatric hospital, including the Internal Review Committee, Root Cause Analysis, and Policy and Procedure Committee. She is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Advanced Skills Trainer and has served on the Restraint and Seclusion Committee.

Professor Occhipinti continues to give back to the community by volunteering with Hospice through their Remembrance Day and Memory Walk events. She contributed to the implementation of the “Because We Are Still Here” blog, which offers compassion and support to those who are grieving. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.