Cultivating Care: Celebrating College Nursing Interns and High School Pathways at Mount Sinai

This summer Mount Sinai Health System was proud to host two noteworthy programs that highlight its commitment to nurturing future nursing talent. Both the Student Nurses Internship Program for college nursing students and the Nursing Pathway Program for New York City high school students aim to provide hands-on experience and early exposure to the nursing profession. 

The Student Nurses Internship Program began in May and concluded with a graduation ceremony on August 8 at the Stern Auditorium. Mount Sinai welcomed 101 nursing students from top colleges across the country, including UPenn, Howard University, Wisconsin, Miami and many more. Over the summer, these paid interns, who have all completed at least one year of nursing school, gained experience in real-world hospital environments, working alongside seasoned professionals across the Mount Sinai Health System, to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the nursing field.  

Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President of Cardiac Services at The Mount Sinai Health System reminded students to, “never underestimate the impact you can have on someone's life, whether through a kind word or a gentle touch.” 

At the college nurses graduation our top nurse told students that this ceremony marks a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming full-fledged nurses, a journey filled with dedication, growth, and unwavering commitment to the noble profession. 

“Throughout your internship, you have not only acquired knowledge and skills but also demonstrated compassion and empathy—the hallmarks of excellent nursing care,” Oliver said. 

Furthermore, on August 16, Mount Sinai Health System also hosted a graduation to celebrate students and families from our six-week Nursing Pathway Program for local NYC high school students. This initiative engaged 98 rising juniors and seniors interested in nursing careers. The program, which began in July, provided students with 25 hours of weekly hands-on experience, including shadowing nurses, observing interdisciplinary team meetings, and engaging in patient care activities. Participants were assigned to nursing units based on their interests and paired with a nurse manager to guide their learning.