Nursing students visit lawmakers in State House

USCA nursing students attended South Carolina Nurse Legislative Day on Feb. 26 at the State House in Columbia.  

As part of the day’s program, they met with members of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation, discussing two pieces of legislation that may impact the students once they’ve earned their nursing degrees and are working in the health care industry.

“There were so many nurses there, and it was such a good learning experience for me to see how I can be involved when I graduate,” said USCA nursing student Hannah McDowell, USCA ‘26. 

“It's so important to meet with these representatives because although they might be our patients, they may not be nurses or health care workers, so we must inform them why these policies are so important, whether that be through facts or personal experience.”

Lawmakers are currently considering an amendment to South Carolina House Bill 3093, section 16-3-600, relating to assault and battery of a health care worker, and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Full Practice Authority Bill, South Carolina House Bill 3580 and Senate 45. Proponents of these actions believe they give nurses more protection and greater authority when caring for patients.

“This experience was very insightful to see how leaders can make a difference,” said Lauren King, USCA ‘26. “I was able to see firsthand how nurses come together from all over the state to use their voices to help make an impact on health care. 

“It is so important to meet with the local representatives in our community because they, too, can use their voice to help advocate and educate on the issues we are experiencing as nurses and seeing as nursing students. I was able to meet with representatives from different counties and talk more about the important issues that nurses are facing such as workplace violence, surgical smoke, and practicing full scope of nursing." 

After meeting with the lawmakers, Rep. Charlie Hartz (SC-District 81) recognized USCA School of Nursing students and Rep. Leon “Doug” Gilliam (SC-District 42) from Union recognized the USCA SON students at Union from the house floor.

“It was a great day for our students and nurses in South Carolina,” said Dr. Katie Chargualauf, dean of the USCA School of Nursing.

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