Adress from Nurse Cush, Director (ag)
Good afternoon.
Members of the Board of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Corporation, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Heads of Department, distinguished guests, members of faculty and staff, proud parents and families, graduates, students, ladies and gentlemen.
It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate the 75th Graduation Ceremony of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.
Today is especially meaningful for me because I stand before you not only as the Director (acting) of the School of Nursing, but also as a proud graduate of this very institution—my Alma Mater. Years ago, I sat exactly where you are seated today, filled with excitement, hope, and perhaps just a little anxiety about what lay ahead.
I graduated not only as the Best Academic Student but was also humbled to receive the Mercy Nurse Award. Those achievements remind me that excellence is not simply about intelligence; it is about discipline, perseverance, humility, compassion, and remaining faithful to your purpose.
Our School of Nursing has a rich history. Since opening its doors in 1946, this institution has remained committed to producing nurses who embody the Mercy tradition. As reflected in our mission statement, we strive to provide holistic nursing care while living the values that make us truly MERCIFUL:
Respect for the dignity of every person.
Compassion for those entrusted to our care.
Hospitality in welcoming all.
Excellence in everything we do.
Commitment to those who are poor and vulnerable.
Integrity in our words and actions.
Stewardship of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us.
Professionalism in any setting.
Teamwork
These are not merely words displayed on a wall—they are values that must be reflected in every patient you touch, every family you comfort, and every decision you make throughout your nursing career.
Today we celebrate Batch 75.
This journey began in October 2022 with 27 ambitious students. Nursing school quickly reminded them that this profession is not for the faint-hearted. After the six-month probationary period, 23 students successfully continued the program.
Now, graduates, don’t worry, I won’t mention all the sleepless nights, the care plans, the endless drug cards, the clinical evaluations, or the times some of you suddenly became experts at finding every possible excuse for being one minute late! And somehow, whenever an assignment was due or a final examination was scheduled, everyone’s grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and even the family dog seemed to become ill at the same time! Yet here you are today and I suspect all those relatives have made miraculous recoveries.
Your academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, you achieved a 100% pass rate at your Intermediate Examination. Then, in December 2025, you sat the Nurses State Final Examination. Today, as I look across this auditorium at the 23 graduates seated before us, I see another extraordinary achievement—
A 100% pass rate once again!
That deserves not just applause, it deserves celebration!
If I had to describe Batch 75 in just five words, they would be:
Resilient. Compassionate. Determined. Exceptional. Victorious.
You have proven that excellence is not accidental—it is earned through hard work, sacrifice, faith, and perseverance.
I also wish to express sincere appreciation to our former Director, Nr. Elsie Asabere, whose leadership, guidance, and commitment helped shape the success of Batch 75, as well as many graduating classes before them—including myself. Your contribution to this institution has left a lasting legacy, and we are truly grateful.
Graduates, today marks the end of your student journey, but it is only the beginning of your professional calling. Nursing is far more than administering medications or performing procedures. It is about seeing the whole person—body, mind, emotion, spirit, family, and community. It is about becoming an instrument of healing, offering hope when people feel hopeless, strength when they feel weak, and compassion when they feel alone.
There will be long shifts, difficult patients, heartbreaking moments, and days when you question yourself. But never forget why you chose this profession. Somewhere, someone will remember your kindness long after they have forgotten your name.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Graduates, today you can proudly say that you have fought the good fight. You have finished this race. Most importantly, you have faith.
As you leave this institution, carry with you not only your certificate but also the Mercy spirit. Continue to uphold respect, compassion, hospitality, excellence, commitment, integrity, and stewardship. Be nurses who serve with skill, lead with humility, and care with love.
Remember that success is not measured by the title before your name but by the lives you touch, the comfort you provide, and the difference you make in the world.
To the parents, guardians, families, faculty, clinical instructors, hospital staff, and everyone who supported these graduates, thank you. Their success is also your success.
Graduates of Batch 75, the future of nursing is brighter because of you. Continue to dream boldly, serve faithfully, and lead courageously. Wherever your careers may take you—whether here in Guyana or across the world—always remember where your journey began and never forget the values of your Alma Mater.
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
May God bless each of you, may He guide your hands, strengthen your hearts, and grant you wisdom as you care for His people.
Thank you, congratulations once again, and may God richly bless you all.
