Sometimes a certain profession just calls to you. That’s what happened for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student Kaylee Vega at South University, Virginia Beach. “Nursing has always been my first choice,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I can't wait to start my career.”
Even before she began the nursing program, Kaylee was committed to helping others. Before enrolling at South University, her job was to fight denials from insurance claims for patients with psychiatric disorders and to help reduce financial hardships and costs for patients in detox.
Kaylee chose South University for nursing school based on how highly alumni spoke about their experiences. “I work alongside a former student who is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She mentioned she is the nurse she is today because of South University,” Kaylee says. “I have been told a few times in my life that knowledge is power. Education was my way to a better future and to pursue a career in a field I am deeply passionate about.”
While still a student, Kaylee is already receiving recognition for her contributions to the field. In 2024, South University selected Kaylee for a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students®. Her nominators described her as dedicated, patient, caring, and compassionate to her patients and everyone around her. Others described her as hard-working, trustworthy, and always advocating for others.
“She approaches every interaction with genuine empathy, making each person feel valued and understood,” one nominator wrote. “Her ability to connect with others fosters trust and a sense of safety, which is vital in a healthcare setting.”
In February 2025, Kaylee received the Honey Bee Award from the hospital where she works part-time as an administrative associate. The Honey Bee Award recognizes non-nursing team members who deliver exceptional care and experiences for hospital patients and visitors. Kaylee has also been recognized for reporting a patient declining and saving their life.
In addition to her work at the hospital and her studies, Kaylee has also volunteered at events with South University, including doing blood pressure readings for community members.
After graduating, Kaylee plans to gain experience in women’s health and eventually become a nurse practitioner focused on women’s health. She shares, “I plan on advocating for proper pain management for women’s health screenings and to help transform the way women are treated during pregnancy and postpartum.”
We are proud to have Kaylee and congratulate her on her honors and accomplishments so far!
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Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion.
Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Clinical/Medical programs have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
