For Theilet S. Washington, BSN, RN, the path to St. Dominic Health started with a firsthand look at the teamwork that defines the hospital.
As a critical care transport nurse in the Mississippi Delta, she frequently brought patients to St. Dominic’s for advanced cardiac care. Each visit deepened her admiration for the collaborative environment.
“Everybody was working together seamlessly,” she recalls. “That’s something I value — collaboration.” That sense of teamwork ultimately led her to join St. Dominic Health in 2002.
Today, as the manager of clinical education, she’s ensuring the next generation of nurses has the same level of teamwork, support, and skill development that inspired her to stay.
Guiding Nurses from Classroom to Career
Transitioning from school to real-world nursing can be overwhelming, but Theilet has made it her mission to ease that journey. She oversees several programs that help new nurses build confidence and competence, including the nurse externship program and the nurse residency program.
“We bridge the gap for new nurses,” she explains. “From clinical rotations to hands-on mentorship, we make sure they feel supported. Hopefully, they’ll stay long-term, just like I have.”
Strengthening Community Through Education and Support
Beyond nursing education, Theilet is proud of how St. Dominic Health continues to expand its outreach. From partnerships with local colleges and schools to free community clinics and support for team members’ families, the health system’s impact extends far beyond hospital walls.
“We are truly centered on community,” Theilet says. “We partner with local food services, provide a free clinic and work with Holmes Community College to help CNAs get certified. It’s all about offering resources that make a real difference in people’s lives — whether for our patients, their families or our own team members.”
A Place That Feels Like Home
Having worked in various hospitals, Theilet knows firsthand what makes St. Dominic Health stand out.
“When people come here, they don’t feel like a number. They feel like they belong,” she says. That welcoming atmosphere is a defining characteristic of St. Dominic’s, fostering a sense of comfort and trust for patients and team members.
Growing Together as a Health System
Theilet has witnessed St. Dominic Health evolve over the years, including its transition becoming part of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
“Now that we’re part of a bigger system, we have more financial support, more opportunities for growth,” she says. That support has allowed her to advance in her own career, from team leader to manager, while also pursuing her MBA with the help of tuition reimbursement. “Having those resources is huge — it makes a difference.”
A Passion for Mentorship and Collaboration
Theilet is committed to strengthening nursing education across the region. She collaborates with other hospitals and nursing programs, sharing best practices and ensuring that students receive the highest level of training.
“I work closely with my counterparts in other markets,” she says. “It’s all about making sure our students are prepared — no matter where they are.”
For Theilet, St. Dominic Health is more than a workplace — it’s a place to grow, to give back and to make a lasting impact.
“If I had one message for the community, it’s this: St. Dominic’s is the place you want to be for healthcare,” she says. “We welcome everyone, and we’re here to provide the best care possible.”
For St. Dominic’s, the transformation to St. Dominic Health is more than a symbol. It’s our commitment. Learn more.
