Dear University of South Carolina Nursing Community:
Several weeks ago, as our society began the new reality of interventions to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic, my message focused on our “Gamecock Nursing Nation” standing tall and united as we entered this unprecedented time. My message today is simply, thank you.
Alumni on the front lines:
We see you, hear you, and thank you for your caring and compassionate service to
patients and families around the globe. You make all of us proud. We are inspired
by your dedication and advocacy while providing expert care for your patients. Your
commitment is moving. We thank you!
Seniors:
We mourn that you will miss the last half of your last semester hanging out on our
patio or on the horseshoe with your classmates. We are delighted that you will complete
the program on time and be prepared to enter a workforce that needs you. You have
been an awesome cohort in all regards. Although your graduation ceremony will be delayed,
we look forward to celebrating with you and your families in August. We thank you!
Undergraduate students:
The campus life that you adore has been disrupted. Most of you have returned home
and now engaged in a new reality of online classrooms and virtual simulations. You
have been patient, flexible, and inspiring to me and your faculty during our zoom
meetings and email communications. The uncertainty of clinical rotations, housing,
summer semester, and many other issues are valid. We will continue to communicate
university and college decisions as soon as feasible. We thank you!
Graduate students:
Many of you are on the front lines caring for patients during the day or night, and
attending class online between caring for yourselves and your families. Others are
working in supportive roles in hospitals, clinics, health departments, and other health
systems. We admire you and are inspired by your stories and experiences that have
been shared. Your resilience and dedication are amazing. We thank you!
Staff:
During this remote working process, we continue to rely on your tireless contributions
and brilliant problem-solving. With your expert support and knowledge, you are the
backbone of our operations and allow our college to run smoothly during this new normal.
We thank you!
Faculty:
Your creativity, flexibility, and compassion for all of our students have been unflappable.
Your advocacy for nurses at the bedside from donating our simulation center’s PPE,
creating awareness of nurses’ roles in this COVID-19 era, consultation to nurse educators
across the state, and anticipatory planning for the weeks ahead have been on target.
Your composure and caring acts are contagious. We thank you!
Gamecock Nursing Nation:
We are resilient. We stand tall together. We are grateful. We are Gamecock strong!
Forever to Thee.
Jeannette O. Andrews PhD, RN, FAAN
Dean & Helen Gurley Wolford Professor Of Nursing