Maxine Hill Memorial Scholarship to assist USC Aiken and the Critical Shortage of Nurses
Aiken, SC (06/13/2022) — The newest nursing scholarship given to the University of South Carolina Aiken is the Maxine Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Named after his mother, David Hill wanted to recognize the years of service his mom gave to others. This scholarship will help add to the current private donor scholarships that are awarded to approximately 120 nursing students each year.
The reality is, that there will be an estimated 13 million shortage of nurses by 2030 (International Council of Nurses). USC Aiken School of Nursing takes this prediction seriously and depends on private scholarships to help fund students who desire to attend nursing school but have financial challenges.
Dean Thayer McGahee recognizes the many donors who have given to nursing at USC Aiken and stresses the importance of a four-year degree in nursing. "Nursing School Hub ranked our nursing program the 3rd best in the state, and we are ranked as a College of Distinction Program for Nursing. USC Aiken delivers experienced nurses that have a 2021 National Council Licensure Examination, (NCLEX) pass rate of 92%, higher than the SC state pass rate of 89%, and a national pass rate of 82%."
We continue to enhance partnerships through Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Augusta University Medical Center, Piedmont Augusta, Doctors Hospital, and many other facilities. Our current student numbers include approximately 250 prenursing students, 225 traditional BSN track and 84 RN to BSN students. We also began admitting students from USC Union and USC Sumter campuses to offer our program, and have an articulation agreement with our neighbor, Aiken Technical College.
Data does indicate that having a BSN degree makes a significant difference in the delivery of the nation's health care. Having BSN-prepared nurses at the bedside results in fewer medication errors, a decrease in mortality rate, a decrease in overall healthcare costs, shorts lengths of stay, lower mortality rates, and fewer hospital-acquired infections.
For more information about the USC Aiken School of Nursing, please visit School of Nursing (usca.edu)
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The faculty and staff in the School of Nursing work diligently to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing society. Colleges of Distinction recognized USCA as a "best college" for nursing for 2021-2022
Dean Thayer McGahee with recent graduation at the nurse pinning ceremony. USC Aiken delivers experienced nurses that have a 2021 National Council Licensure Examination, (NCLEX) pass rate of 92%, higher than the SC state pass rate of 89%, and a national pass rate of 82%.”
