It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathy Rideout, a beloved and influential figure in the nursing community in Rochester, New York. Kathy passed away on February 28 at the age of 67, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to shape nursing education and practice for generations to come.
Kathy’s remarkable career spanned many years and was marked by her unwavering dedication to the field of pediatric nursing. As a pediatric nurse practitioner at Golisano Children’s Hospital, she provided compassionate care to countless children and families, earning the trust and admiration of her patients and colleagues alike. Her expertise and empathetic approach made her a trusted clinician and a source of comfort for those she served. Kathy was often described by patients’ families as a calming presence during their children’s most difficult times. Her commitment to her role allowed her to not only provide medical care but to be a source of emotional support for families grappling with the uncertainty and fear that often accompanies illness.
Beyond her clinical work, Kathy was a visionary leader and educator. She served as the dean emerita at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, shaping the future of nursing education and mentoring future generations of nurses. Kathy believed that education was the key to advancing the nursing profession and worked tirelessly to improve nursing programs and ensure that students received the best possible education. Her passion for excellence and inclusion helped create a culture that emphasized both empathy and knowledge, and she worked to ensure that the voices of all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, were heard. She believed that every student had the potential to become an outstanding nurse, and she was dedicated to providing them with the tools and resources to succeed.
Throughout her tenure, Kathy built relationships with her students that went beyond the classroom, knowing many of them by name and offering personal guidance throughout their careers. Her commitment to her students was unparalleled. She served not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and a guide, offering advice, encouragement, and, most importantly, support. Students often praised her for her ability to see the potential in everyone and for her willingness to offer a helping hand whenever needed. Her leadership style was centered around building trust, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging the growth and development of others.
In addition to her leadership and clinical contributions, Kathy was a steadfast advocate for the nursing profession, pushing for improvements in patient care, education, and policy. She understood the importance of nursing in the healthcare system and worked to ensure that nurses were recognized for their vital role in patient care. Her advocacy efforts were not only instrumental in advancing nursing but also helped to create a healthcare environment where compassionate care was a top priority. Kathy worked tirelessly on initiatives to improve working conditions for nurses and advocated for better nurse-patient ratios, improved healthcare policies, and equitable healthcare access for all patients.
Kathy’s influence extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for her colleagues, friends, and students. Those who had the privilege of working with her often speak of her ability to inspire and motivate others to lead with empathy, excellence, and purpose. Kathy believed that nursing was not just a profession but a calling, and she dedicated her life to helping others answer that call with the highest level of skill and compassion.
Her colleagues in the nursing community were deeply saddened by her passing, remembering her as a leader who was always approachable, supportive, and ready to lend a helping hand. Many shared stories of how Kathy had helped them through difficult times in their careers, providing guidance, support, and advice. Her presence in the nursing world was undeniable, and her loss leaves a significant void that will be felt for years to come. Her professional accomplishments, however, pale in comparison to the lives she touched and the many individuals she mentored, nurtured, and cared for throughout her career.
As we mourn the loss of this incredible woman, we also celebrate her enduring legacy. Kathy’s impact on the field of pediatric nursing, nursing education, and healthcare will continue to guide us as we honor her memory. Plans for a memorial event in Kathy’s honor are currently underway, and more details will be shared soon. The event will serve as a reflection of Kathy’s life and her tremendous contributions to the nursing profession. It will be a time for family, friends, colleagues, and students to come together and remember the lasting impact she had on so many.
Kathy Rideout’s passing leaves a void in the nursing community, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched throughout her career. She dedicated her life to bettering the healthcare system and improving the lives of those who served within it. Her work will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, and her commitment to education, advocacy, and compassionate care will remain a guiding light for future generations of nurses. Though Kathy is no longer with us, the values she instilled in her students, colleagues, and patients will live on. Her memory will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence, empathy, and commitment to the nursing profession, and her legacy will inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
