Contributed GRADUATES — The graduating residents of Trinity Health System’s nurse residency program include, from left, Hannah Wenner, Kaleigh Edgar, Allison Craft, Isabella Hepburn, Joe Walkosky, Amanda Nodianos, Melissa Jacobs and Emily Rovira.

STEUBENVILLE — A dedicated cohort of new registered nurses has successfully completed the yearlong nurse residency program at Trinity Health System.

This milestone marks the residents’ transition into experienced professionals, reinforcing Trinity Health System’s commitment to growing the future of compassionate care in the Ohio Valley, hospital officials said.

The graduating residents include Hannah Wenner, Kaleigh Edgar, Allison Craft, Isabella Hepburn, Joe Walkosky, Amanda Nodianos, Melissa Jacobs and Emily Rovira. These graduates completed a comprehensive, supportive program designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Trinity is the only hospital in the immediate area that sponsors a national nurse residency program for nursing graduates or those with less than one year of experience, providing mentorship and advanced clinical training in a hands-on environment.

A significant strength of the program is its deep roots in local education, with the majority of residents being graduates of the Trinity School of Nursing. Their commitment to staying in the community and providing excellent care is a direct reflection of Trinity’s mission, officials said.

“It was a pleasure getting to know each one of them personally and to watch them grow professionally,” said Donna Kiaski, coordinator of the nurse residency program. “I am proud of their accomplishments and the care they brought to their patients. They represent the future of nursing, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. We are a small program, but we continue to grow and currently have 21 nursing residents in the program.”

By investing in programs like the nurse residency, Trinity, a member of CommonSpirit Health, ensures that its patients continue to receive the highest-quality care, delivered by nurses who are fully prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern health care, officials added.