Jameah Killingsworth transferred to Lander University with an impressive 3.5 GPA.
The opportunities for personal interaction with faculty and the reputation of Lander’s nursing program led Killingsworth, of Abbeville, to believe that the University would be a good fit for her future goals; and would enable her to pursue the studies that she needed for a career as a nurse anesthetist or a labor and delivery nurse.
“I like caring for people,” said Killingsworth, who admired the care that her grandmother gave to her grandfather when he was ill. “As a nurse, I can help people feel better. I have a purpose.”
From Transfer to Triumph
The transfer to Lander also had another vital benefit. Killingsworth was one of 14 students to be awarded a scholarship through the Self Regional Scholars Program. This highly sought-after scholarship is offered annually to Lander’s highest performing nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, community involvement and career potential, among other characteristics.
“I’ve always wanted to work at Self Regional,” Killingsworth said. “I realized I would have good networking opportunities at the hospital through my studies at Lander.”
Lander Makes Transferring Easy
Dr. Holisa Wharton, dean of Lander’s College of Nursing, Human Performance and Health Sciences, said the transfer process is not as difficult as students may think.
“At Lander University, we strive to make transferring as smooth as possible. We encourage students to begin the transfer process to nursing school early during the freshman or sophomore year to ensure they meet all of our major prerequisites and that all nursing clinical courses are completed at Lander,” Wharton said, noting that Killingsworth followed this path.
Further, Lander is committed to supporting students through every step of the process.
“We recognize that transferring can be a difficult decision,” Wharton said. “To make the transition easier, each prospective transfer student is paired with a dedicated transfer advisor to help them navigate the application process. Once enrolled, students are connected to a nursing faculty advisor who will guide them through the remainder of their academic journey.”
Dedicated to Patient Care
Even before her transfer, Killingsworth’s passion for nursing was evident. She took courses to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and works weekends at a care facility. “I love bedside nursing. You are there to help people with their daily needs, and I like doing that. It’s also a good way to begin your future career.”
Although she admits to having some trepidation initially in taking care of patients, “you get into a routine, learn about your patients, and eventually you feel more comfortable. I realized ‘I can do this,’” Killingsworth said. “Patients’ families appreciate what we do, and the patients themselves are like family to us.”
Time management is critical to Killingsworth as she divides her time among classes, studying and working. “I’ve been working since I was 16 years old, and I’ve learned how to balance my time. The academic demands of nursing can be intense. As a nursing student, you must be very dedicated. I know that, and I know that it will pay off in the end.”
To learn more about the School of Nursing at Lander, visit www.lander.edu/nursing.