Congrats, Nursing Grads
On Dec. 19th, friends and families gathered to celebrate the graduation of 61 new nurses from the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot.
The joyous celebration marked the end of a rigorous 16-month educational journey. With classroom work and clinicals behind them, these graduates are ready to embark on the next phase of their careers. Nearly 82% of them are joining UPMC Hamot, where they will help ensure the hospital can meet the growing health care needs of the community.
Among the smiling faces and cheering families at graduation were hospital leadership, including Brian Durniok, president of UPMC Hamot; Jim Donnelly, outgoing chief nursing officer at UPMC Hamot; and Boo Hagerty, president of Hamot Health Foundation.
These executives are among the school's most passionate advocates and have been since the very beginning. Their collaboration and vision helped moved the school from a "wild idea" at the height of the pandemic to the success story we know today.
Donnelly Education Center
It was ever so fitting, then, that in a surprise announcement, Karen Morahan, director of the school of nursing, shared that the classroom wing of the school would be named the Donnelly Education Center.
She also presented Mr. Donnelly with a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honor that celebrates his transformational role as a nursing leader.
“Jim’s passion and dedication are surpassed only by his can-do attitude,” said Hagerty. “Under Jim’s leadership, we went from the concept of a nursing school to cutting the ribbon in just 15 months. He truly changed the trajectory of health care at Hamot, and naming the learning center for the Donnelly family ensures no one forgets what he has done for so many.”
“Jim’s passion and dedication are surpassed only by his can-do attitude. Under Jim’s leadership, we went from the concept of a nursing school to cutting the ribbon in just 15 months. He truly changed the trajectory of health care at Hamot, and naming the learning center for the Donnelly family ensures no one forgets what he has done for so many.”
Jim's major accomplishments across a long career at UPMC Hamot
- Cradling the school of nursing through its infancy
- Leading a complex, hospital-wide effort to achieve Magnet designation for nursing excellence in 2016 — an honor earned by only 10% of hospitals nationwide
- Designing and implementing a nursing career ladder, energizing nursing staff toward career growth and upward mobility
Around the hospital, Jim is known for his earnest collaboration, strategic mindset, and steady leadership, all of which have helped generate a meaningful impact across UPMC Hamot and the wider community. And while his footsteps may soon be missing from the halls, his legacy will remain as an example for anyone brave enough to emulate it.