Williams emphasizes nursing’s role in Mercy University commencement remarks

Last month, AONL Board President Ena Williams, PhD, RN, delivered the commencement speech for Mercy University’s School of Nursing, based in Westchester, N.Y. Williams also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the university in recognition of her leadership journey, including serving as the first African American chief nursing officer at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. Williams, who recently retired from her position as senior vice president and chief nurse executive of Yale New Haven Health, told graduates they were joining a profession “as demanding as it is rewarding.” She emphasized nurses’ importance in healthcare and in their communities. “You will become the backbone of healthcare, the advocates for your patients and the hope for families,” she said. “Remember, your actions, your words and your presence can change lives.”  She also urged graduates to be grateful for all those who enabled, supported and challenged them “and worked hard to help you arrive at this moment.”