Memorial Hospital Gulfport Celebrates Inaugural Nurse Residency Cohort Graduation
GULFPORT, MISS. – July 1, 2026 – Memorial Hospital Gulfport proudly announces the graduation of the inaugural class of its Medical-Surgical New Graduate Nurse Residency Program, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to developing and retaining exceptional nursing talent. This first cohort of 30 residents has successfully completed the orientation portion of the year long program designed to support newly graduated registered nurses as they transition into professional practice.
Memorial Health System Chief Nursing Officer Mary Brobst reflected on the achievement, saying, “This inaugural class has set a standard for future cohorts. Their dedication, resilience, and compassion remind us why investing in new graduate nurses in this way matters so deeply. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment to developing the skills that will serve them well throughout their nursing careers.”
Launched in January 2026, this Nurse Residency Program was created to strengthen the nursing workforce, enhance clinical competence, and ensure new graduates receive the mentorship and structure needed to thrive. The program included a 16 week orientation featuring bedside preceptorship, personalized e learning, bi weekly educator check ins, monthly meetings with the program manager, and rotations through key clinical areas such as the Emergency Department, ICU, Case Management, Patient Placement, and Resource Nursing.
Clinical Education Programs Manager Ashley Williams emphasized the program’s importance, noting, “Over the past six months, we have watched these clinicians transition from new graduates to independently practicing nurses, and they have done that with grace, humility, and an eagerness to learn that will serve them well during what will surely be long and successful careers. The impact of this program, in preparing them for real-life nursing practice, is very apparent as they demonstrate every day their willingness and readiness to provide exceptional care to our community. They are going to do great things, and I’m so proud of all of them.”
The curriculum blends clinical skill building with critical thinking, communication, and professional development, tailored to multiple learning styles to ensure each resident receives comprehensive support.
As Memorial celebrates this graduating class, the organization also announces that the next cohort of residents has already been selected, chosen from more than 100 applicants eager to join. This strong interest underscores the program’s growing reputation and the hospital’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of nurses.
Memorial Hospital Gulfport continues to pursue accreditation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program, reinforcing its dedication to excellence in nurse development. To learn more about the program, visit wearememorial.com/students.
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ABOUT MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Memorial Health System has been serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1946. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, Memorial is a not-for-profit public community hospital organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and is jointly owned by the City of Gulfport and Harrison County. Memorial Health System includes three hospitals (Gulfport, Biloxi, and Stone County) licensed for 481 beds, a state-designated Level II Trauma Center, two nursing centers, outpatient surgery centers, satellite outpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation centers, and more than 100 Memorial Physician Clinics. Memorial offers several of the region’s most comprehensive clinical programs and medical specialties unique to the area, including a Level III Neonatal ICU and Mississippi’s first nationally certified Primary Stroke Center. Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission, a Baby-Friendly Designated hospital, and is a member of the Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative. Visit wearememorial.com to learn more.