Nicole Paonessa is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with an extensive background in hematology and oncology, working as a nurse for over 15 years. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society. Nicole received her Master of Science in nursing from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She began nursing studies at Maria College in Albany, NY, earning her associate’s degree. Nicole also completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and biology from the State University of New York at Albany in Albany, NY. She is particularly interested in overall health and wellness, cancer screening, and prevention. Throughout her experience, Nicole has cared for hundreds of patients enrolled in trials for cancer therapy. She has participated in multiple local and national cancer support campaigns over the past two decades, most notably in lung cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Nicole enjoys patient education on disease states, symptom management, and medication adherence.
After graduating college, Nicole originally planned to attend graduate school for psychology. While studying for the GRE, she worked as a medical records technician in a local oncology practice. After seeing the incredible relationships the nurses established with their patients and the difference they made in their lives, she knew that nursing was what she wanted to do. Nicole loves establishing lasting relationships with patients where they are able to get to know each other and work as a team to achieve better health outcomes. She believes communicating with patients as people rather than a walking medical record is so crucial for quality care. Nicole also ensures her patients understand their entire conversation and will provide patient education if needed. She also believes positivity is key in healthcare and tries to help people look on the bright side instead of focusing on the negative.
Nicole is a Capital Region native born in Albany, NY, and raised in Guilderland, NY. She enjoys spending time with her kids, husband, and their three cats, two dogs, and six chickens! Outside work, Nicole enjoys time with her extended family, exercising, and supporting her kids in all their activities.