School of Nursing

School of Nursing Academic Support Resources

The School of Nursing offers many free academic support resources for students in the nursing program. Each are described below.

High-Fidelity Simulation  

The USCA School of Nursing has a state-of-the-art simulation program to complement and enhance classroom learning and clinical experience. Two high-fidelity simulation labs are available to students: The Hilare and Harry Inder Women and Children’s Health Simulation Lab and the John “Coach” and Patty Abshire Adult Health Simulation Lab.  We have four (4) adult and three (3) pediatric mannequins which are lifelike, computerized patient simulators designed to closely mimic real human physiology and dynamically react to nursing care provided by students in various simulated settings like the hospital, physician’s offices, or the community. Real world equipment augments the learning experience and helps students to increase their comfort and confidence providing patient care.  

Beginning in the first semester of the traditional BSN program, students participate in high fidelity simulation(s) as a portion of their clinical experience. In the Abshire lab students care for adult patients while in the Inder lab they care for pediatric and obstetrical patients. In high fidelity simulation the emphasis is on clinical judgment and decision making. Students are afforded opportunities to make critical decisions and perform patient care, then observe the outcome(s) of their interventions. 

In their final semester of nursing, students attend simulated experiences where they practice advanced life support skills and learn to manage complex patients such as those admitted to the intensive care unit. Final semester students also attend both high fidelity and skills labs as peer teachers for lower-level students. This experience allows final semester seniors to refine their teaching skills as they prepare for the transition to practice. 

The Skills Laboratory

The Geeta Patel Professional Nursing Practice Lab is utilized primarily by beginning nursing students to learn and practice basic nursing care. Using low-fidelity manikins and task trainers, students develop clinical skill proficiency including bedmaking, hygiene, feeding, patient positioning and transfer, assessing vital signs, and more. More technical skills such as sterile technique are learned by practicing procedures such as indwelling urinary catheter insertion and tracheostomy care.  Additionally, students participate in health assessment labs where they learn to skillfully assess patients with a wide variety of conditions noting and documenting abnormal findings.  

Both laboratories are accessible to students outside of their scheduled class and lab hours, allowing additional time to practice clinical skills and build proficiency. Faculty and the Simulation Director are available to support student learning or answer questions as needed. Collectively, the skills learned in the simulation and skills laboratories are applied during patient care in a variety of clinical settings. 

Peer Ambassador for Student Success (PASS) Program

The PASS Program was created to support USCA nursing students from admission into the BSN program to graduation. Following a supplemental instruction (SI) model, students in upper levels of the nursing program serve as Peer Ambassadors (PAs) to students in lower levels. Students are selected through a competitive application process to be PAs for up to two different courses. Weekly peer-led study sessions provide opportunities for students to ask questions, clarify concepts, compare notes, discuss readings, complete learning activities to improve critical thinking, and develop academic tools such as time management and study skills.   

The PASS Program extends to providing peer-led writing assistance to SON students to improve their writing skills. Like in the Writing Center on campus, PAs serve as writing consultants to nursing students enrolled in writing intensive (WI) courses. 

Study Spaces 

The School of Nursing offers numerous spaces for studying individually and in groups. Four indoor study spaces offer large whiteboards and comfortable seating. Outfitted with a coffee bar, Nightingale’s Café also has seating available for studying. All indoor study spaces are available to USC Aiken students 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. 

In 2024, the outdoor patio was renovated to create additional space for studying or socializing with peers in the program. It features cozy couches and chairs under a covered area, along with rocking chairs and picnic tables available on the patio. On pleasant days, students can often be seen studying or playing cornhole in the yard.  

Faculty Mentor Program 

Each student admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at USCA is paired with a faculty mentor. Faculty mentors serve as academic advisors. In this capacity, faculty mentors meet with students at least once per semester to discuss progress towards degree completion and connect them with opportunities to promote academic success and growth.   

Additionally, faculty mentors provide targeted support to students during the program. They empower students to reach their full potential through relationship building, problem-solving, and celebrating successes. In collaboration with the USCA Student Success Center, faculty mentors can provide resources to improve study techniques, time management, and overall well-being. The goal of our faculty mentor program is to enhance the academic experience of our students and support them from admission to graduation.  

Application to the School of Nursing

To access the application, you will login as a 'Returning User,' not a 'First Time User.'  Use the same email address and password you used to apply for admission to the university. If you do not remember the email you used, call the Admissions Office at 803-641-3366 and they can assist you.