South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative

Keeping Nurses in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton Counties

South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative

Keeping Nurses in Beaufort and Jasper Counties

South Carolina Nurse Retention Initiative

Keeping Nurses in Beaufort and Jasper Counties

2024 SCNRI Recipients

January 2024 Recipients

Blaine Alexander

Blaine Alexander

Hi, my name is Blaine. I was born and raised in Charleston, SC. I moved to Beaufort over six years ago and have fallen in love with this small town. I have known for a majority of my life that I wanted to make a difference with the career I committed to. I have always had an admiration for nurses and the care they provide for the individuals in their communities. When I decided to go back to school in my mid 20s, I realized that I had a calling towards caring for others. In 2023, I achieved my goal of receiving my ADN. Shortly after, I began my journey in the emergency department, working in a small hospital in Jasper county. I am blessed with the knowledge I gain daily from my fellow coworkers and mentors. The funds provided from this retention scholarship will allow me to go back to school and further my education. Thank you to the SCNRI, for giving me the opportunity to further achieve my goals and advance in my career!

Blair Wilkins

Blair Wilkins

Growing up, my father had many health issues that required immediate medical attention and stays in the intensive care unit. The compassion and care the nurses showed my father and family made me want to do the same for others. Since graduating nursing school, I have been working in my local ICU and loving the positive impact I make. The SCNRI will allow me to gain certifications in things like Spanish medical translation and continue to provide the best possible care for my patients and their families.

Julia Demarzo

Julia Dermarzo

Nursing is a profession that has both challenged my expectations and pushed me out of my comfort zone.  When successfully navigating throughout the obstacles of nursing school and finally  becoming a registered nurse, passing the NCLEX, I thought that I have reached my FINAL goal. I was in a season of new beginnings.  I moved with my family from New York upon graduating college and started living in Bluffton, South Carolina.  I began my job in late august of 2023, the new graduate nurse and new hire on the OR unit.  Although I had operating room exposure from my preceptorship senior year of nursing school, I still had and continue to have so much to learn.  My experience has been far from easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I have ever pushed myself through.  If someone were to ask me to describe my role as an operating room RN circulator in a very “general” way, I would say that I am tasked to perform various methods of multitasking throughout the day, from case to case, dependent upon surgeon preferences and patient safety.  We are tasked to adequately document, safely prep our patients, ensure prophylactic medications have been given, interview our patients on their health status prior to the operation, set up the operating room with the equipment in the correct order and ensure our team members receive the correct instrumentation.  We also have an increased focus on surgeon preferences.   Although these tasks are essential for the correct operation of our unit, and actively on my mind, I learned to look deeper into my role as a nurse, and realized that being a true nurse comes from your compassion and dedication to deeply connect with your patients.  

It was about two months ago when I had my very first patient that encouraged me more than anyone or anything.  My patient suffered from extreme panic attacks and anxiety, and she was on the verge of an episode upon going into surgery.  I made it my GOAL that day to really understand what she was going through, as I have also dealt with anxiety in my own personal way.  After consoling her and asking her multiple questions about her daughter, her hobbies and her experiences with anxiety, my patient looked me in the eyes and said “you are my angel, I am going to pray for you.”  Little did my patient know, I was really anxious that day to perform at my absolute best at work.  I realized that day that my final goal was not solely to focus on being task oriented, but also taking the time to offer empathy, understanding and advocation for my patients.  Although my interview prior to surgery took longer than my team members have anticipated, it was truly that interaction that reminded me of why I chose to be a nurse from the beginning.  I am a registered nurse in the operating room, but I am also my patient’s voice and advocate. As a result of the SCNRI scholarship, I am given the opportunity to adjust to a new environment of living as a new South Carolina resident and start another journey while looking for housing.  In the future, I am also given the opportunity to expand my education and knowledge by returning to school to achieve my Nurse Practitioners license, particularly family NP as I take a strong interest in the pediatric population.

Erin Drew

Erin Drew

 

I’ve always been told that I have a healing soul. I’m a natural nurturer. That is why I chose nursing as my career. I’ve been a CNA since 2009, and I’ve always been very passionate about patient care. I love what I do. It took me 15 years to finally achieve my degree, but I don’t regret a single moment of it. I am walking proof that dreams DO come true! Life has been quite a struggle for me, it’s just the hand I was dealt. So there were many times I felt like I would never actually meet  this goal of mine. Graduation would forever just be a dream. Well, even though it took longer than expected, I DID IT! Not only did I survive nursing school and complete it, but I truly enjoyed it. I’m one of the very few that can honestly say I miss it. But I know it’s now time for me to move on and focus on the career that I now have. I plan to continue my education soon to obtain my bachelor’s degree. I hope I can be an inspiration to those who dream of becoming a nurse, because you CAN do it! Despite all obstacles thrown my way, have made it! Single mother, homelessness, child with special needs, unreliable vehicles, health issues, etc., I STUCK WITH IT! And here I am today growing in my environment at work. I am so very thankful for the SCNRI as well. I am still trying to catch up and get on my feet, and this scholarship will help tremendously! I enjoy working in Beaufort county, helping the people in my community. And getting PAID to do that, even better! So thank you to the organization and people involved that chose me, I truly don’t have the words to describe the depth of my gratitude. This is only the beginning, can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Rachel Buchholz

Rachel Buchholz

I grew up in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and later moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I pursued higher education in various fields, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Afterward, I decided to switch career paths and pursued a Master’s degree in Nursing as an entrance to practice nursing. I am highly motivated to employ my acquired knowledge and skills in serving others in a meaningful way. Additionally, I share a fulfilling life with my fiancé and our beloved dog, Pinecone. We enjoy spending our leisure time outdoors exploring various natural settings. Outside of nursing, I also enjoy cooking with my fiancé and spending time with family and friends.

Interested In Applying?

*Applications will be accepted:

Check back for news about the dates for the next application period.

*Applicants must have graduated within the 12-month period prior to the application start date.