Meet South University BSN Graduate, Kandi Broome
Today, Kandi is a registered nurse at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. There, she brings both clinical skills and personal attention to her patients every day. However, Kandi’s path to nursing has been a long time in the making.
Lessons from Foster Care: The Impact of Compassion
Growing up in foster care can be difficult, but the experience helped Kandi realize exactly what was important to her. “I chose nursing because my life experiences gave me a deep understanding of what it feels like to need compassion, stability, and someone who truly cares,” Kandi shares. “Growing up in foster care and later becoming a mother of three, I learned resilience, empathy, and the importance of advocacy, qualities that naturally led me to this profession.”
Choosing a Nursing Program
When researching nursing programs, Kandi took the time to make sure she found the right fit. Her criteria included school and program accreditation, strong clinical preparation, and high NCLEX success rates. “I selected South University because of its reputation for rigorous academics, supportive faculty, and emphasis on developing safe, competent, and compassionate nurses,” she says.
At South University, Kandi felt encouraged and motivated to work hard as she built her skills in the classroom, labs, and clinical settings. “The faculty challenged and supported me, helping me grow not only as a student but as a professional nurse and leader,” she says.
Gaining practice with tough scenarios across different settings helped Kandi gain confidence in her readiness to care for patients. “The program is challenging, but it prepares you well for the realities of nursing,” she says. “You gain valuable clinical experience and learn how to think critically and handle real-world patient situations. If you are determined and willing to put in the effort, the program will help you grow.”
Finding Purpose and Pride in Nursing
Now, as a BSN graduate and registered nurse, Kandi reflects on what helped her earn her degree and what she wants current students to remember. “My advice is to stay focused on your goal, even when the program feels overwhelming,” she says. “Trust yourself, ask questions, and take every clinical experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, remember why you started, because that purpose will carry you through the hardest moments.”
For Kandi, graduating with a BSN has been incredibly meaningful, proving to herself just how much she can achieve when she sets her mind to it. “Earning my degree at South University is one of the proudest and most transformative moments of my life,” she says. “As a 36-year-old mother of three who grew up in foster care and faced many personal struggles, this accomplishment feels like a breakthrough.”
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1Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Graduates are required to 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 additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
2Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2026.
