As hospitals across South Carolina report nursing shortages, the University of South Carolina College of Nursing recognized rising juniors for their commitment to the profession at the annual Stethoscope and Commitment Ceremony. 

The ceremony initiates nursing students into their first clinical experiences with this tangible tool of their profession as they listen to words of inspiration.

Why it matters

• By the year 2030, South Carolina is predicted to have the fourth highest nursing shortage in the United States. 
• Data from the Bureau Health Workforce shows that South Carolina currently has the lowest nurse to population ratio in the country.
• The dean of UofSC’s nursing program is working hard to change those numbers through ramped up retention efforts with local hospitals and aims to graduate 400 nursing students per year in the next few years.

A closer look

This month, Upper Division nursing student, Lauren LaRosa, received her stethoscope at the college ceremony. The March of Dimes also highlighted her journey from NICU to nursing student during their "giving day." Born weighing just one pound, seven ounces at 26 weeks, Lauren spent 89 days in a NICU.

Throughout that time, March of Dimes provided support and continued to do so even after she left the NICU. Now her life has come full circle as she studies to become a NICU nurse at the College of Nursing.

Lauren has always wanted to care for other families in the same way the nurses did for hers. “I really want to give back that same love and care that I received when I was a NICU baby to other families that need it,” she says.