This cohort have been working on their respective units for the past year and are now integral members of the South County Health team:

Shawn Diggins, BSN, RN – ICU
Shawn’s path to nursing was a nontraditional one. He began his journey in SCH’s CNA program, worked as a Patient Care Technician (PCT), and attended nursing school while continuing to work here. He’s now thriving as a new graduate nurse in the ICU.

Barbara Keller, RN – Medical Surgical
“I believe having a job and a career are two different things,” said Barbara. “I wanted a career where I could impact others' lives — and what better way to live out my philosophy of ‘inspire before I expire’ than through nursing.”
Barbara’s connection to South County Health started during her clinical rotations. “The first time I stepped on the hospital grounds, it felt like love at first sight,” she said. “From the warm greetings to the clean environment and the nurses’ willingness to teach — I knew I wanted to come back here after graduation.” With a background in social work and years of experience as a CNA, Barbara is now thriving as a nurse at SCH.

Chloe Smith, BSN, RN – Women & Newborn Care Unit (WNCU)
Chloe began her journey in long-term care as a CNA at age 17, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I cared for patients through their sickness and, in some cases, their last moments — and I knew from then on this was my calling,” she said.

While attending UMaine’s BSN program, she developed a passion for women’s health and newborn care. “It’s truly a privilege to be a trusted person for patients when they’re feeling vulnerable. I’ve never found anything I’m more passionate about.”

Shannen Walsh, BSN, RN – Medical Surgical
“I chose nursing because I wanted a career that allowed me to help others and make a difference in their lives,” Shannen shared. “I chose SCH specifically because I wanted to work for a small community hospital and had heard great things from other employees.”

Supporting New Nurses

The Nurse Residency Program is open to new graduate nurses with fewer than six months of experience. Over the course of a year, participants attend monthly seminars focused on clinical reflection, critical thinking, peer support, and professional growth. These sessions incorporate a wide variety of learning strategies — from expert presentations and case studies to hands-on skills training and team-based activities.

“It’s rewarding to see these nurses grow into their roles and become mentors for the next class,” said Linda Cavanaugh, MSN, RN, NPD-BC. “Their enthusiasm brings me joy and inspiration.”

Themes explored throughout the year include mentoring, leadership, communication, patient safety, and evidence-based practice. By the end of the program, our new nurses are not just confident practitioners — they’re emerging leaders.