Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – DHR Health and RGV College came together to celebrate the fifth co-hort of 10 graduates who completed the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship program. This one-of-a-kind, federally recognized program, is the result of a partnership between DHR Health and RGV College that works to address the nursing shortage across the country. Through the program nursing students can pursue their educational goals while fulfilling their clinical requirements and receiving compensation.
At the event, a white coat was presented to each of the nurse graduates marking the completion of their educational requirements to become registered nurses in the healthcare field.
Several members of DHR Health leadership were on hand at the event to congratulate the graduates on their accomplishment. The graduates heard from Dr. Manish Singh, DHR Health chief executive officer and Annabelle Salinas, DHR Health Women’s Hospital vice-president.
The graduates also heard from Julian Alvarez from Lone Star National Bank and former Texas Workforce Commissioner who worked to help establish this unique program. Additionally, Dr. Trisha Evans with the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Representative, was on hand at the event and to give congratulatory remarks to the nursing graduates.
“These nurse graduates have worked hard to reach this important milestone, and we are incredibly proud of them. As they begin this next chapter in their nursing careers, we know they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients, their families, and our community,” said Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health.
DHR Health served as the foundational employer/sponsor for the registered nurse apprenticeship program and the graduates received their education at RGV College earning their associate degree of applied nursing.
“Seeing our nurse apprentices reach this moment is incredibly meaningful. Behind every graduate is a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and someone who believed in what was possible for them. This apprenticeship was never simply about completing a program, it was about creating an opportunity that could change the trajectory of a life, a family, and ultimately our community. I am incredibly proud of each graduate who trusted the process, pushed through the challenges, and chose to keep moving forward. Today, they are not only beginning the next chapter of their careers; they are becoming the nurses, leaders, and difference-makers our communities need. Being able to play even a small part in their journey is one of the greatest rewards of the work we do,” said Vanessa Vera, DHR Health director of high school and community outreach, apprenticeship program and skills development fund grant.
