USM Nursing Program Pins New Graduates Ready for Life
Fri, 08/09/2024 - 03:08pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) continues to meet the demand for more nurses in the healthcare industry by pinning 27 new students who received the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) in a ceremony at the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, Miss.
The ABSN 2024 summer graduating cohort is the second to be pinned at Gulf Park. Dr. Lachel Story, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, radiated joy as she welcomed the new graduates and acknowledged their hard work throughout the programs.
We are thrilled to see this group reach their goal of being a nurse and what it is not only for them but also for the healthcare workforce, particularly in South Mississippi,” expressed Story. “They have been educated at the highest level and now are ready to care for patients across our great state and beyond!”
Fifteen students received ABSN degrees, and 12 students received the RN-ABSN degree. The ABSN program offers students hands-on clinical experience from faculty committed to the future of healthcare. Simulations are incorporated to allow students to practice in a safe environment. The pathway allows eligible students to earn a BSN degree in 12 months, offering student scholarship opportunities. The RN-BSN is a fully online program where students receive a degree in two semesters. The degree offers extensive knowledge of healthcare systems, health assessment, surgical nursing, and more.
Timothy Kennedy, ABSN Graduate, recalls his time throughout the program and is ready for the next challenge in his healthcare career.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been selected into the ABSN program. It is a challenging and rigorous program that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. I made some wonderful friendships and memories with the faculty and the students in my cohort. By the grace of God, I'm now ready to utilize my newfound knowledge and skills to serve my community as a registered nurse in the emergency department,” said Kennedy.
Dr. Arlene Jones, Director of the School of Professional Nursing Practice, greeted the graduates as each was ready to take the next step in the future of healthcare.
“Their accomplishment marks another rich chapter to the legacy of the University of Southern Mississippi's nursing programs. To our graduates, ‘Congratulations on your incredible success! You are a special group of students and I'm incredibly proud of you,’” said Jones.
The degrees offer options to study online, or on the Hattiesburg and the Gulf Park campuses. Learn more about how to be a part of the future of healthcare through the various programs offered by USM’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.