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.
Pamela Abner and Beth Oliver with Nursing Pathways Program participant, Nelly Hassan.
Out of over hundreds of applicants, 15 students were MSHS 1199 family members who were accepted and funded through 1199, while 83 students received support from the New York Department of Education, totaling 98. The pathways program was organized and managed by Mount Sinai’s Department of Nursing and sponsored by Beth Oliver and Pamela Abner, MPA, CPXP, Senior Vice President and Health Equity Officer, Mount Sinai Health System. This program included exposing high school students to nursing early, increasing awareness of diverse career opportunities, and fostering reciprocal education between students and clinicians.
Throughout the Nursing Pathway Program, students participated in a range of activities, including a robust panel discussion, a group project, networking events, and the final graduation ceremony. These experiences aimed to provide a comprehensive view of nursing roles and responsibilities while encouraging students to explore career opportunities within their community.
“We are incredibly proud of our student nurse summer programs that attracts a diverse and motivated group of nursing students from across the nation and right here in New York City. Mount Sinai Health System is delighted to educate our top future nursing talent and to nurture the next generation of nursing leaders,” said David L. Reich, MD, President, The Mount Sinai Hospital & Mount Sinai Queens. "We wish this group of student nurses success in their academic and professional careers, and remind them that Mount Sinai will always be a place for them to learn and thrive.”
Mount Sinai Health System’s summer programs not only prepare future nurses with essential skills but also contribute to the development of a more informed and engaged healthcare workforce. The dedication to education and professional growth is evident in these programs' structure and outcomes, showcasing Mount Sinai’s role in shaping the future of healthcare.
About the Mount Sinai Health System
Mount Sinai Health System is one of the nation’s leading integrated academic health systems and one of the largest in the New York metropolitan area. Its comprehensive system includes seven hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, over 600 research and clinical laboratories, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing. Together, the Health System comprises approximately 48,000 employees, more than 9,000 physicians, and 8,600 nurses.
As a leading learning health system, Mount Sinai combines clinical expertise with scientific discovery to improve patient care while training the next generation of health care and biomedical leaders. The Health System provides care across every stage of life, from prenatal care through geriatrics, while advancing personalized medicine through artificial intelligence, data science, and biomedical research.
Mount Sinai is consistently recognized among the nation’s leading academic health systems for patient care, research, and education. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 1 in New York by Newsweek and No. 5 on the magazine’s World’s Best Hospitals list. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai ranks No. 11 among U.S. medical schools and No. 1 among freestanding medical schools for National Institutes of Health funding, reflecting the strength of its scientific enterprise and leadership in biomedical research.