On July 16, 24 nurses graduated from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University's Oncology Nurse Residency Program.
Launched in 2023, Winship's Oncology Nurse Residency Program is designed to support nurses in their first year of work as they transition into the specialized field of oncology. The evidence-based curriculum combines online modules, in-person classes and skills practice sessions to give participants the tools to provide exceptional care to patients and their families facing cancer.
The graduation ceremony featured a talk from Renee Spinks RN, MSN, FNP, director of patient care service lines at Winship, who highlighted the role of oncology nurses as “culture architects” and the importance of ongoing professional development to effective nursing practice and patient care.
"The journey of these nurses over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring," says Edna M. Smith, PhD, RN, OCN, nurse practice specialist and coordinator of the Oncology Nurse Residency Program. "They have faced challenges head-on and emerged as stronger, more capable nurses. Their dedication to improving patient outcomes is commendable, and I am thrilled to see the positive impact they will continue to make in the field of oncology nursing."
Launched in 2023, Winship's Oncology Nurse Residency Program is designed to support nurses in their first year of work as they transition into the specialized field of oncology. The evidence-based curriculum combines online modules, in-person classes and skills practice sessions to give participants the tools to provide exceptional care to patients and their families facing cancer.
The graduation ceremony featured a talk from Renee Spinks RN, MSN, FNP, director of patient care service lines at Winship, who highlighted the role of oncology nurses as “culture architects” and the importance of ongoing professional development to effective nursing practice and patient care.
"The journey of these nurses over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring," says Edna M. Smith, PhD, RN, OCN, nurse practice specialist and coordinator of the Oncology Nurse Residency Program. "They have faced challenges head-on and emerged as stronger, more capable nurses. Their dedication to improving patient outcomes is commendable, and I am thrilled to see the positive impact they will continue to make in the field of oncology nursing."
The graduating oncology nurses included:
- Kamaya Elizabeth Council, BSN, RN
- Courtney Atkinson Cummings, BSN, RN, CCRN
- Dari-Lee Davis, BSN, RN
- Sandy Decembre, BSN, RN
- Courtney G. Davis, BSN, RN
- Muriel Elliott, RN
- Kristy Fleming-Smith, BSN, RN, CCRN
- Jalen Drew Holland, RN
- April Hong, BSN, RN
- Aileen Kim, BSN, RN
- Tiffini Deana Johnson, RN, ADN
- Jahmelia Lewis, BSN, RN
- Nneka C. Nwosu, RN*
- Suze Predelus, RN*
- Sheffiga Rose, RN*
- Erin Smith, MN, RN
- Christina Spurling, RN
- Symbol Swain, MN, RN
- Karolina Sirignano, RN*
- Sharnaye Annette Taylor, RN*
- Manna Thomas, BSN, RN
- Raven Leighann Watkins, BSN, RN*
- Kyrsten, Watson, BSN, RN
- Macleana Yasa, ADN, RN
*not pictured