In a press release earlier this month, FirstHealth announced the graduates of their nursing leadership academy. 

The names of the graduates are ASHLEY COLLINS, R.N., MSN, CMSRN; JENNIFER CUMMINGS, R.N, MSN, CCRN; REBECCA LOCKLEAR, MSN, BSN, RN-BC; SHARON ODOM, R.N., BSN; IRIS MULLEN, BSN, R.N.; SHEILA BROCK, R.N., BSN; MEREDITH JOHNSON, R.N., BSN; DORY FRANKLIN, R.N., BSN, CBN; AND CHRISI EMBLER, R.N., BSN, CBN. 

Each graduate participated in and completed a yearlong FirstHealth program that equips charge and staff nurses for leadership roles.

Participants in the program must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, two years of clinical experience and a reference from their director. Applicants also must undergo an interview process.

“Health care is increasingly complex, especially for frontline nurse managers, so we use our Nursing Leadership Academy as a way to develop a succession plan for nurse managers,” Deana Kearns, MSN, R.N., administrative director for clinical practice and corporate education at FirstHealth, said. “Our academy prepares future nursing leaders, and it ensures that FirstHealth’s nurses will continue to

lead the way in helping the system achieve its core purpose – To Care For People,” Kearns said.