To many people, the December holidays are their favorite time of the year, but for all of us at ACLS Academy, June is our favorite month when all the Nursing and Medical Students graduate and spread out across the country to make their mark on the world through the care and healing of their patients.  

We wish heartfelt congratulations to all the nurse and medical student graduates! These individuals have completed a rigorous and demanding program, and their achievement is truly remarkable. This accomplishment demonstrates their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the noble healthcare profession.

As a nurse or medical graduate, they have chosen a challenging yet rewarding career path. Their education has prepared them to provide compassionate care and support to patients during their most vulnerable moments. They have learned how to assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses and communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. They have also developed critical thinking skills, which will serve them well as they encounter complex medical situations.  

The world needs skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals more than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital role that nurses and doctors play in society.  They are entering the workforce when their skills and expertise are in high demand, and we do not doubt that they will rise to the occasion and positively impact their patients' lives. We celebrate the graduation of the 2023 healthcare students as a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges and their readiness to take on these challenges. The staff and educators here at ACLS Academy understand firsthand the importance of these graduates' role in society and the challenges that come with this profession. We know the high mental and physical stress they will experience daily and the ever-increasing shortage of practicing nurses and doctors. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a pronounced shortage of healthcare workers.  As of 2021, 30% of healthcare workers considered leaving their profession, and 60% reported serious mental health struggles, a problem that is especially severe among nurses. 

As they embark on their new careers, we emphasize that learning never stops. Medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices is important. These graduates will now learn from their patients and peers rather than their professors. We encourage them to remain open to new ideas, perspectives, information, and ways of using their knowledge and skills. Take advantage of continuing education and professional development opportunities, and seek mentorship and guidance from experienced healthcare professionals.  Be open to sharing their expertise and mentoring those who come after you.

As they start their career, be brave, have high expectations, and set goals to be the best! Find a good work/family balance even when things get tough. At ACLS Academy, our instructors are part of the front-line healthcare industry these graduates are entering. Self-care and work-life balance are essential, though challenging to achieve, to cope with lifelong learning of these professions and deliver effective care to our patients.  We implore these graduates to keep that front of mind to try and achieve that balance.

These 2023 graduates have chosen a noble profession that requires knowledge and technical skills, empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. Their work as a nurse or doctor is not just a job – it is a calling. They have the power to make a real difference in the lives of their patients, and we are confident that they will do so with excellence and dedication.  We want these graduates to remember that they have been given a great gift, a patient's trust. Cherish it and respect it. Treat every patient as if they were a loved family member, and in return, they will receive excellent personal satisfaction, and their career will never work.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation. This is a historic moment to have the privilege to be in medicine, with all of its heartache and uplifting moments. You are an important part of America’s most respected profession. Your achievement is something to be proud of, and we wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter in your life.