TCL honors 18 new nursing graduates at ceremony

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TCL honors 18 new nursing graduates at ceremony
Photo courtesy Technical College of the Lowcountry

Recognized as the Lowcountry’s top nursing program, The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) recognized 18 associate degree nursing (ADN) graduates during its May pinning ceremony at the Beaufort Mather Campus last weekend.

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.

Congratulations to the new TCL nursing graduates, and thank you for selecting a career that will help others in our community.