Weinschreider Honored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense

Joanne Weinschreider, director of the Wegmans School of Nursing Simulation and Lab Center, has been honored as a Patriotic Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Weinschreider was nominated by Bryce Bishop, director of emergency medicine at Unity Hospital and adjunct faculty member at Fisher, for her supportive leadership, patriotism, and integrity.

In his nomination, Bishop wrote:

“She is truly a patriotic employer in every sense of the meaning. She is responsible for perhaps the most technically capable nursing school simulation center in the nation. In 2018, I interviewed with Joanne for an opportunity to become a simulation instructor for the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College. Joanne understood that my military background could be used in the simulation center to enhance the students’ learning. Ever since, this job opportunity has been an incredible experience to say the least. I have had the opportunity to be trained and mentored by Joanne and the other incredible staff.  Now in my fourth semester, I regard this as one of the most fulfilling roles of my career.”

Bishop went on to describe how in 2020, when he was called upon by the New York Air National Guard to assist in the early days of the pandemic, he had to give Weinschreider two days’ notice and her response was one of support and encouragement.

“This simple yet profound communication allowed be to focus on my military mission,” said Bishop.

Weinschreider and the team also worked to convert Bishop’s simulation scenarios to a virtual format while he was away serving.

Bishop presented Weinschreider with the award during a small ceremony at the Wegmans School of Nursing on March 5.