Limestone University Nursing Program Honors Inaugural Cohort During Stethoscope Ceremony

Limestone University’s Nursing Program recently held its first Stethoscope Ceremony, marking the transition toward clinical coursework for each of its students.

The 15 students who were honored during the ceremony on Friday, Aug. 23, are part of Limestone’s first cohort of the Nursing program, which began in 2022. After two years of taking general education classes, the students will now begin courses that will expose them to nursing care for a variety of patients, in a multitude of settings.

To progress into the clinical cohort, students must meet the academic requirements in their pre-nursing coursework, pass a background check, and complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills.

Limestone’s curriculum prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and become registered nurses. According to a recent report from the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration, South Carolina is predicted to have the seventh largest nursing shortage in the nation – a deficit of over 13,600 nurses by 2036 due to an aging and retiring nursing workforce.  

“I am excited to walk this journey with them, especially after planning for this program over the past several years,” said Professor of Nursing Amber Williams, who also serves as Program Coordinator and Course Coordinator. “South Carolina needs nurses, Cherokee County needs nurses, and Limestone has diligently prepared to offer the Nursing program for our students to help aid our community.”

During the ceremony, students were presented with their own Littman Class III stethoscope. The stethoscope is considered an essential tool for healthcare providers, as well as a symbol for the connection providers have with their patients.

In addition to Williams, the ceremony also included Tim Fagan, Chief Nursing Officer of Cherokee Medical Center, who spoke to the group about the concept of connectedness and what the valued connections between patients, peers, and coworkers can have toward providing quality care.

David Toney, the Pastor from Kirby Church in Gaffney, led the students in blessing their hands. 

“I remember, as a new nurse, my employer offered a blessing of our hands. I recall that simple act being so impactful to my professional development.,” Williams said. “It helped me understand how touch can be comforting, allowing us to connect with our patients, to let them know how much we care, but to be mindful not to cause harm. We have the privilege of being with patients at the most vulnerable times in their lives and should not take it lightly.”

For more information on the program, visit www.limestone.edu/nursing.