The collaborative relationship between Galen College of Nursing and HCA Healthcare is deepening, reflecting a shared commitment to developing the future healthcare workforce.

Leaders from hospitals in HCA Healthcare’s West Florida division attended Galen Sarasota’s October graduation ceremony to celebrate the graduating class, which included a dozen new nurses who will be using their new skills at local HCA Healthcare facilities in the area.

“It is inspiring to attend graduation at Galen and see a new generation of nurses and how excited they are,” said HCA Florida Sarasota Doctor’s Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, and fellow Galen alumna, Todd Cruz, MSN, RN. “My managers and I felt the energy and it reignited our passion for nursing too. I am a big supporter of new nurses. I am looking forward to the exceptional group joining our team. They are energetic, dynamic and have a willingness to learn. I know they will take excellent care of our patients and our community.”

The graduation ceremony served as chance for Galen and HCA Healthcare to mark the growing relationship between the college and HCA Healthcare. Once enrolled, Galen students have the opportunity to work at HCA Healthcare facilities as a Nurse Extern and gain experience in clinicals, before having the chance to start their professional nursing careers in a local HCA facility like Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota.

“I thought it was very fitting and important for us to be able to recognize our partnership with HCA Healthcare,” Sarasota Dean Dr. Joan Frey EdD, MSN, BS, ANEF, said. “I made a special effort to adding the names and hospitals of the HCA Healthcare leaders who were attending and recognized them as part of our introductions.

“With Galen as a part of HCA Healthcare and the synergy of opportunities for nursing students to get experience at local HCA Healthcare facilities through clinicals and their nurse extern program, our students are in a great position to hit the ground running in their careers after they graduate and pass the NCLEX test.”

The graduation ceremony also provided a lovely moment for both the Galen College family and our Sarasota campus. Dean Frey had the opportunity to pin the graduates nursing badge on her daughter, Kimberley Frey, who graduated with her associates degree in nursing.