Recognized as the Lowcountry’s top nursing program, The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) recognized 16 associate degree nursing (ADN) graduates during its May 8th pinning ceremony at the Beaufort Mather Campus.
During the ceremony, graduates received their pins and lamps, a nod to Florence Nightingale who carried a lamp to light her path as she cared for the sick and dying soldiers during the Crimean War.
In addition, Florence Nightingale is credited with raising awareness of the importance and critical need for trained nurses which led to Modern Day “nurses training” and education. After the nurses were pinned, Florence Nightingale would light a lamp and pass the flame to the graduating nurses. Today, the lamp is also a representation of Nightingale’s “rounds at night” and her dedication to her patients and the field of nursing.
TCL’s two-year ADN program prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses. Students experience on-campus learning using high-tech simulation equipment and receive intense additional hands-on practice at clinical sites throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties.
Most graduates then go on to work in many of those same clinical sites right here in the Lowcountry, said nursing instructor Ashley Turbeville.
“Our graduates are entering the workforce to fill much-needed critical nursing positions,” she said. “While we will see many of them working in traditional hospital settings, we will also see our graduates exploring employment opportunities in various outpatient roles.”
Regardless of where they go to work, TCL nurses are dedicated and “passionate about improving access to healthcare,” Turbeville said.
Nursing is a career choice that looks to be solid into the future. The job outlook for nursing, particularly for Registered Nurses (RNs), is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that RN employment will increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033, a rate faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by factors like an aging population, increasing rates of chronic conditions, and the demand for healthcare services. Additionally, there’s a projected deficit of over 500,000 RNs in the U.S., contributing to the strong job outlook.
Congratulations to the new TCL nursing graduates, and thank you for selecting a career that will help others in our community.
