Your Stories: Saint Mary's Celebrates 13th Cohort of Nurse Residents at Graduation Ceremony
September 22, 2025Categories: Events
Saint Mary's Hospital held a graduation ceremony on September 11 to recognize the hard work and dedication of 13 registered nurses who successfully completed a one-year, nationally recognized Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program (NRP). Arla Washenko, RN, Director of Emergency Services, and Sally Silva, RN, NRP Coordinator, joined managers, directors, NPDSs, hospital colleagues from several departments, and the families of the graduates to recognize this milestone in their nursing careers. Amy Mickolite and Judy Bellemare from the Spiritual Care Team offered an Opening Prayer and blessed the NRP graduation pins.
Graduates: Kimberly Cruz RN, ED, Divina DeCena RN, O’Brien 4, Emily Egan RN, Critical Care, Liomy Jimenez RN, Intermediate Care, Kelly Jones RN, Intermediate Care, Jessica Lopez RN, ED, Marta Malakhivska RN, O’Brien 4, Sara Medina RN, Xavier 3, Genesis Mir RN, Intermediate Care, Rachel Pesce RN, Xavier 3, Marquita Phillips RN, O’Brien 4, Alexandra Rojcov RN, Intermediate Care, Jennifer Santos RN, O’Brien 4.
A beloved tradition at Saint Mary's NRP graduations is sharing the graduates' personal reflections when asked, "Why did you choose nursing?" Graduates described a passion for helping others, connecting with patients and their loved ones, making a positive impact on the community, and a commitment to delivering equitable health care.
Marquita (Keke) Phillips, RN, O'Brien 4, delivered an inspirational class address. She thanked all who had supported the graduates, both at work and at home, over the past year. She also described how her mom had dreams of becoming a nurse but sadly passed away before fulfilling that dream. Keke said, "I dedicate my life in my mom's honor; her dreams became my dreams, and I could not be happier." Clapping and cheers filled the auditorium when she thanked our patients for trusting us. She concluded, "...now we move forward with knowledge, courage, confidence, and skills that allow us to be the great nurses our community deserves."
The graduation closed with all nurses in attendance standing together to recite "A Nurse's Prayer." The graduates proudly presented their evidence-based projects following the ceremony.
Submitted by: Sally Silva, MSN, RN, Nurse Residency Program Coordinator Waterbury Market, Trinity Health Of New England.
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