The School of Nursing at the University of South Carolina Aiken is showing why its program is one of the best in the state.
The program was just awarded $100,000 to rename one of its nursing labs the Geeta Patel Skills Lab in honor of its namesake who graduated in 1983 with an associate’s degree in nursing from USCA. Throughout her career, she’s had the opportunity to observe the accomplishments of students in the program.
The funds will help to cover the broad use of the lab, including providing new equipment, manikins, and supplies to prepare nursing students for clinical practice.
To honor the incredible achievement, a dedication ceremony was held with faculty and students in the School of Nursing Building on March 21. “This donation is monumental for the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Katie Chargualaf, interim dean of the School of Nursing. “Our students are sought after in the community because they are prepared, and they know how to provide timely, safe care to patients – and the foundation of that is the new skills lab.”
“I am overwhelmed with so much gratitude for what this donation will do for students,” said Kimberly Leaden, Level 8 nursing student at USCA. “Every opportunity that we have for our students is a way for growth. As the health care field changes, the money that has been donated will help provide extra products and equipment for our labs.”As the nursing program continues to grow to meet local health care and workforce needs, the Geeta Patel Skills Lab will be instrumental in preparing graduates for the state and nation’s increasing health demands.
To date, the Bachelor of Science Nursing program at USCA has graduated more than 3,500 students capable of providing safe, quality care to medically complex patients.
For more information, contact Angela Saxon - angela.saxon@usca.edu