Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals Celebrate Nurses Completing Advanced Training to Strengthen Local Patient Care
July 31, 2026
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are celebrating nurses who have completed advanced professional development programs offered through the hospitals’ partnership with TruMont, an academic partner specializing in nursing continuing education and professional development. The achievements reflect the hospitals’ continued commitment to supporting their workforce and advancing patient care.
Through the partnership, nurses have access to evidence-based education that strengthens clinical knowledge and supports career growth.
Opportunities include a residency program for newly licensed registered nurses, specialty-specific fellowship programs and preceptor-mentor education for experienced nurses preparing to guide the next generation of caregivers. These programs help nurses advance professionally while building a strong pipeline of clinical talent to serve the region's healthcare needs.
This year, the hospitals are recognizing graduates of the Nurse Residency Program, Preceptor-Mentor Development Program and Perinatal Fellowship Program. The programs combine structured education with mentorship and hands-on learning, helping nurses build confidence while expanding their expertise.
“Our people are at the heart of the care we provide, and investing in their growth is also an investment in our patients and communities,” said Rebekah Artman, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPPS, chief nursing officer for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “Through our partnership with TruMont, nurses have access to high-quality education and mentorship that strengthens their clinical expertise and supports lifelong learning. When we invest in the development of our nurses, we strengthen the care available to patients across western North Carolina and help ensure our communities have access to highly skilled caregivers close to home. We are incredibly proud of each graduate and look forward to seeing the continued impact they will have on our patients and their colleagues.”
The programs include online coursework, clinical experience and guidance from experienced nurse leaders and educators.
Grounded in current research and best practices, the curricula help participants strengthen clinical decision-making and gain specialty-specific knowledge while continuing to care for patients in their own communities.
This focus on continuous learning helps ensure nurses are prepared to meet the changing needs of the patients and communities they serve.
Graduates were recognized during a special ceremony honoring their commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Nurse Residency Program
Kylie Ball Rose
SJ Hensley
Heather Noren
Colter Oakey
Kaitlyn Putman
Kari Buchanan
Kennedy Sorrells
Hailey Bowman
Kassidy Coggins
Neal Conner
Hetal Patel
Kaitlyn Simonds
Mandy Tessin
Mark Wike
Karly Donaldson
Justin Kleberg
Jesse Kuykendall
Jaden Tyson
Sophia Young
Preceptor-Mentor Development Program
Missy Bowman
Samantha Cabe
Shelby Davis
Karcee Dooley
Cindy Henson
Heather Wilkes
Perinatal Fellowship Program
Savannah Baylon
Through their partnership with TruMont and continued investment in nursing education, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are helping strengthen the healthcare workforce needed to serve western North Carolina today and in the future. The hospitals remain committed to giving nurses meaningful opportunities to grow professionally while ensuring patients have access to exceptional, compassionate care close to home