School of Nursing Brings Home the Gold

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AIKEN, SC (04/30/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing earned a couple of awards during the annual Palmetto Gold Gala event in Columbia.

The South Carolina Nurses Foundation, Inc., hosts the event, which aims to "showcase the valuable contributions nurses make to patient care in our state," according to its website. Through the yearly gala, the group recognizes both the promise of future nurses and the professionalism and commitment of those already in the profession.

Senior Kristy Ghrist who graduates in May received a $1,000 student award.

Each nursing school throughout the state had the opportunity to recommend one student for this honor. Nominees must display caring and commitment to patients, families, and colleagues; demonstrate leadership and assist others to grow and develop; promote the profession of nursing in a positive way; and show promise of excellence by achieving a high level of academic success.

"I am so proud of Kristy," said Dr. Thayer McGahee, dean of the School of Nursing. "She is highly respected by both faculty and her peers.

"She is a natural leader in our nursing program and serves in her community in various volunteer roles.

"She is mature, has the utmost integrity, and has been able to succeed as a student while balancing a family with six children at home," McGahee added.

In addition to Ghrist, Dr. Nancy Stark of the USC Aiken School of Nursing was recognized as one of the top 100 nurses in South Carolina.

Nurses from academia and practice are nominated for this "very competitive process for selection." Nominees for this honor must advance the profession of nursing in the practice setting or community; serve as a leader in their organization; go above and beyond to demonstrate commitment to growing the profession of nursing; be visible in promoting the nursing profession by serving in the community.

"Dr. Stark is recognized by faculty and students alike as one of our best teachers for her ability to diligently guide students towards understanding and application of difficult material," said McGahee. "She is devoted to her students, and works with them to develop individualized plans for success.

"In whatever job she undertakes, you can count on her to do it with excellence. As chair of our admission, petition, and graduation committee, she has championed the infusion of evidence-based practices in an attempt to provide a level of objectivity to the process.

"Dr. Stark is a faculty member we would all love to clone," according to the School of Nursing dean.

She has served on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Circle of Excellence Award Review Panel and the Beacon Award Review Panel. She was an invited speaker at the State SNA convention to speak on conflict management. Her scholarship has made an impact by being presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.