This year, MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor (MHBHSH) proudly celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from the newly launched New Graduate Nurse Residency Program (NRP). The innovative, year-long program expands upon traditional clinical orientation by combining behavioral health-specific education with a standardized, evidence-based nursing curriculum. Its goal: to better prepare new nurses for the challenges and rewards of caring for patients with behavioral health diagnoses, while strengthening the future workforce in a time of nationwide nursing shortages.

In addition to one-on-one mentorship with an RN preceptor, participants engage in monthly learning experiences designed to enhance their clinical skills, confidence, and critical thinking. Each nurse also develops and presents an evidence-based project before graduation, applying new knowledge to real-world challenges in behavioral healthcare.

The inaugural class included five graduates: Mediatrice Kantarama, RN; Toia Francis, RN; Shane Grenier, RN; Samantha Holichork, RN; and Delaney Collins, RN. All five have chosen to remain at MHBHSH, a powerful testament to the program’s impact on professional growth, retention, and workforce stability. Given the program’s success, a second cohort of nurses will graduate this fall.

“MHBH is immensely proud to welcome our new nurse graduates into the behavioral healthcare community,” said Jason Rosenberg, MHBH Chief Nursing Officer. “Their journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and a profound commitment to patient care. As they embark on their professional paths, they bring with them the promise of compassionate leadership and innovative care. These graduates are not just the future of nursing; they are the embodiment of hope and excellence in behavioral healthcare.”

For Shane Grenier, one of the graduates, the residency program was pivotal. “It provides new graduate nurses with structured support, mentorship, and practical experiences that help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical practice,” he said. “It enhances our skills and confidence, which leads to better patient care and safety. To me, it means being in a supportive and enriching environment that will help me grow as a competent, confident, and caring nurse.”

By investing in the next generation of nurses, MHBH is creating a stronger, more sustainable workforce to meet the growing behavioral health needs of our communities. The success of the first residency class represents both a milestone and a promise—ensuring patients and families continue to receive the highest quality of compassionate care.

The program would not have been possible without support of the MHBH Training and Development Center. The team’s dedication ensured that graduates were equipped not only with the technical skills required in behavioral health nursing, but also with the resilience, compassion, and leadership needed to thrive.

MaineHealth Behavioral Health (MHBH) is investing in new pathways to build and sustain its workforce through the Psychiatric Technician Apprentice Program. Launched as a pilot at MHBH at Spring Harbor in May, the program welcomed four individuals who began training toward certification as psychiatric technicians. By August, all four had been hired as full-time team members, demonstrating the program’s success in creating direct entry into behavioral health careers.

Building on this momentum, MHBH welcomed a second cohort of 12 apprentices in February. Participants — now engaged in clinical training across MHBH locations — represent the next generation of caregivers who will support patients and families with skill, compassion, and dedication.

The apprentice program is an important step in addressing staffing gaps while also creating career opportunities within the community. By expanding access to training and mentorship, MHBH is strengthening the pipeline of behavioral health professionals for the future.