The Nursing Commencement Speech No One Expected | SUNY Empire 2026

I delivered the commencement address at SUNY Empire State University's Spring 2026 ceremony. As a full-time RN, mother of three, and now MSN graduate — I told them what most commencement speeches leave out: This was not easy. And anyone who tells you it was is leaving out the best part of the story. We didn't find the time. We built the time. That's not a credential. That's character. This speech is for every nurse, nursing student, working parent, or anyone who finished something in the middle of real life — with real pressure and real people counting on them. About me: I'm Desiree Charles, RN, MSN, CCM. Inpatient nurse case manager and founder of Nurses Will Pass. 📍 Follow my personal brand: @iamnursedes 📚 Nursing resources: nurseswillpass.com #NursingCommencement #NurseLeader #NursingEducation #WorkingMom #SUNYEmpire