After a shift in the emergency room, Kayla Lampe ('16 BSN) swaps her scrubs for running shoes. A competitive runner since middle school and accomplished Gamecock track alumna, Kayla continues to follow her passion for running and nursing. Her most recent accomplishment is Top 25 Woman Finisher in the 2022 New York City Marathon.
Call to nursing
I took my first job in the Emergency Department at Bryn Mawr Hospital, PA where I worked over six years. I began as a travel nurse in 2022, taking a position at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. I’m hoping for my next travel contract in Santa Fe, NM.
On the job
Running for the University of South Carolina Track and Cross Country teams while majoring in nursing required me to hone my time management skills. These skills come into play daily in the Emergency Department. You never know what will happen next on a given day, so prioritizing and managing time are crucial on the job.
Passion outside of practice
Work-life balance is extremely important in a job with high stress. Running allows me to take time out of the day and refocus. Taking care of my health and well-being is important to me. I perform better both at work and running when I take time out of the day for myself. Nurses have the very important job of saving lives and helping others, but we can't help others unless we care for ourselves.
On the go
- Top 25 Woman Finisher – NYC Marathon 2022, Boston Marathon 2022 and Chicago Marathon 2021
- 2020 Olympic Marathon Trial Qualifier
- South Carolina School Record Holder in XC 6K, Indoor 5K, Outdoor 10K
- 17th place at NCAAs in 10,000m (2013)
- 2nd Team All-SEC 5000m Indoor (2013)