More than 150 nursing students were celebrated during a graduation ceremony held Thursday at Georgia Highlands College.

“I couldn't be more energized and delighted about what we are doing together," said Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd, who addressed the crowd.

“Of course, we have a partnership, but I think of it as a completion of a circle. What was then Floyd Medical Center turned over its nursing school over to Floyd College more than 50 years ago.

“Now once again, decades later, Atrium Health Floyd is again investing in this nursing program. We were proud to partner with Floyd College over 50 years ago and once again we are very proud to advance education and healthcare in our region," Stuenkel added.

Atrium Health Floyd and Georgia Highlands College announced a partnership in 2023 that created the Atrium Health Floyd School of Health Sciences and Atrium Health Floyd Department of Nursing. Atrium Health Floyd offers scholarships and financial assistance to make nursing school more affordable for students in northwest Georgia

Stuenkel told the graduates he was also a student at the college at one time, taking accounting and economics classes on the way to receiving a master's degree in business. Stuenkel also served as a part-time teacher at the college.

He offered advice both from the standpoint of his personal approach to mindfulness and integrity and as an experienced health system leader.

“Every patient encounter is important," Stuenkel said. “We must never forget that each patient has unique needs. We need to be responsive and present for that patient."

He also related advice Dr. Dee Russell would often give to new medical residents at Floyd Medical Center.

Russell served as executive vice president and chief medical officer for Floyd prior to his retirement. He began his career at Floyd as director of Floyd's Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Russell is a member of Floyd Healthcare Resources Inc. and the Hospital Authority of Floyd County.

“Dr. Russell would tell the new residents 'Don't screw up.' Then he would add to that 'Don't screw up alone,'" Stuenkel said.

The point is that usually in medical settings there is always someone nearby who can help.

“You need to strive to be a good teammate. Always be willing to pitch in, always be helpful, friendly and supportive of others. A great team can do great things and it makes the work fun," Stuenkel said.