The College of Nursing family wishes our May 2021 graduates the very best as they leave our doors and begin their nursing journeys. We applaud your success, hard work and dedication, and resilience, especially in your last year and a half of nursing school- during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

You are forever a part of the Gamecock Nursing Nation.    - Dean Jeannette Andrews

Reflections from the Graduates

How has the College of Nursing prepared you for practice?

Kelli O'Connor, Acute Care and Research Floor, Johns Hopkins Children Center

The College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina provides us with an abundance of opportunities to work with patients right from the start. We are immediately immersed in a variety of patient care environments which maximizes our time spent learning. All of the different areas of practice we get to learn about and experience first-hand help us decide which area of nursing we want to practice in the future. I am beyond thankful for all the time UofSC has provided us to have in these patient care settings, and I know I am prepared for practice as a new graduate RN.

What has been a memorable experience?

Hannah Towe, Nurse Residency Program, UAB Hospital

My absolute favorite memory from nursing school is getting to work on a labor and delivery unit for my capstone semester. I also have made some of the sweetest friends in nursing school!

What are you most looking forward to after graduation?

Megha Patel, ICU, Bon Secour Hospital

I am most excited about starting my new graduate job in the ICU and using my critical thinking skills to care for seriously ill patients. I am excited to meet new friends and have a floor that I will grow and become comfortable on as a new nurse. 

How has being a nursing student during a global pandemic impacted you?

Brendan Kreag, Cardiothoracic ICU, Duke University Hospital

I worked the first day the Gamecock Park vaccine site opened- it was a historic moment to see the connection between nurses and patients and watch people find hope with the vaccine.

What are you looking forward to as a practicing RN?

Jacqueline Malta, ICU, St Lukes Hospital

I’m most looking forward to putting my clinical skills, and knowledge learned over the last four years into action. It is going to be rewarding learning new information and becoming more independent!