09/18/2026
Joleen Rockhill ’18, RN, MSN, discovered that nursing is more than a career — it’s a lifelong calling rooted in compassion, advocacy, and service.
1. Why did you choose Maria College?
Maria College stood out because of its strong sense of community and commitment to compassionate care. During nursing school, I worked as a Patient Care Technician in the float pool at St. Peter’s Hospital, where every shift required adaptability and teamwork. What I experienced in the hospital mirrored what I learned at Maria — that excellent healthcare is built on collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to the person in front of you. Maria’s faculty didn’t just teach clinical skills; they fostered critical thinking, integrity, and resilience.
2. How did your experience at Maria shape you as a nurse?
Maria helped me understand that nursing is both science and advocacy. We were taught not just how to perform procedures, but to ask “why,” think critically, and see the whole person behind every patient. That mindset shaped how I approached my career and leadership style — speaking up for safety, supporting patients and families, and mentoring others in the profession.
3. What are you doing now and how do you continue to use your nursing education?
Although a physical disability recently brought my bedside career to a close, it did not end my calling to serve. Today, I continue using my clinical knowledge to guide loved ones through complex healthcare decisions and support recovery and advocacy efforts. I also serve on the New York State Justice Center Surrogate Decision-Making Committee, the Altamont Free Library Board of Trustees, and volunteer with Special Olympics and the American Red Cross. Maria taught me that nursing is a lifelong commitment to care, competence, and community.
