One evening in late November, nearly 50 Chaminade graduates and seniors gathered at Henry Hall Courtyard for School of Nursing’s second annual alumni mixer.
Alumni from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 along with seniors from the class of 2017 met with representatives from seven clinical sites including Ka Punawai Ola Rehab Facility, Hawaii Pacific Health, Navy Nurse, Leahi and Maluhia Hospital, the Hawaii Department of Health, Express Healthcare Professional and Hale Nani. Attracted by the job networking opportunities, the participants listened intently to the descriptions and needs of each of the sites. All sites offered job possibilities for the graduates and soon-to-be graduates.
Later participants heard from Honza Hroch, representing CreativeNurse. Hroch presented on managing finances including student loans. His presentation was tailored to help guide nurses and recent graduates with their financial concerns.
The event culminated with a rich mentoring session between alumni and seniors. The attendees were broken into smaller groups for roundtable discussions where alumni could share their experiences with seniors, as well as answer any questions. For the dean of the School of Nursing, Gwenevere Anderson, and her faculty, Denise Cooper, Julie Elting, Denise Hackman, Eurina Kee, Edna Magpantay-Monroe and Julieta Rosado, it was fulfilling to reconnect with former students and to see these former students pass their wisdom forward to the seniors.
Chaminade University accepted its first cohort into its School of Nursing in fall 2010. That first cohort graduated in spring 2014, with two more graduating cohorts following each spring. The mission of the Chaminade University of Honolulu School of Nursing embraces the key elements of education and service. Specifically, it is to educate students “…to be competent and caring nursing professionals who will promote health and high standards of practice, decrease health-related disparities in society, and enhance the quality of life for their patients in a dynamic health care environment.”
