Laura Petrarca’s passion for teaching future nurses began more than a decade ago. As a young nurse, she looked to an older friend in the profession as a mentor. She had always been drawn to helping others and caring for people in vulnerable moments. Nursing felt like a natural fit and from there, the rest fell into place.

After earning her associate degree in nursing, Petrarca began her career at Providence Health (now MUSC Health Columbia) as a telemetry RN, where she used specialized equipment to monitor patients’ cardiac health. After two years, she moved to Lexington Health, spending several years on the progressive cardiac unit before transitioning to the Medical ICU. There, she cared for critically ill patients for two years, further strengthening her clinical skills and leadership at the bedside before eventually moving into higher education at Midlands Technical College.

From bedside to academia

Ready for a new challenge, Petrarca shifted her focus to higher education and earned her master’s degree in nursing education. She spent six years teaching at Midlands Technical College, where she discovered the impact she could make beyond the bedside.

“My experience as a nurse and in the classroom were great stepping stones to take me where I eventually wanted to be in my career,” says Petrarca.

Today, she has returned to the classroom, this time as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in the University of South Carolina College of Nursing’s Nursing Education program. As she advances her degree, Petrarca is learning to integrate innovative teaching strategies into nursing education. She applies those approaches in her role as a clinical coordinator in simulation labs, guiding pre-licensure students through hands-on learning experiences that build both skill and confidence.

The BOLD Career Pathway Program, a nursing faculty tuition reimbursement initiative, has provided Petrarca with the financial freedom to focus fully on her development as a nurse educator. For Petrarca, who is raising two children, the debt relief has made a meaningful difference in both her family life and her career.

“I would never have come back to school if it wasn’t here,” says Petrarca. “There is a lot more opportunity for personal and professional growth, which is something I never thought of before.”

A mentoring network

Mentorship remains central to Petrarca’s journey. The college’s DNP curriculum includes precepted experiences that allow nurse educator students to guide pre-licensure students during hands-on skills sessions. In this role, Petrarca serves as a mentor and role model, offering immediate, actionable feedback. These interactions strengthen clinical confidence and often grow into lasting professional relationships.

In addition, a new DNP Peer Mentorship Group connects students with the Dean’s Advisory Council. Led by recent DNP graduate Kathryn Frankel, the group amplifies student perspectives, strengthens communication between leadership and students, and fosters collaboration and professional networking. Petrarca represents her peers in the Nursing Education track.

“I’ve truly enjoyed connecting with other students in the DNP nursing education track and sharing my journey with them, offering any wisdom I can to support their success,” says Petrarca.

Preparing the next generation

Petrarca looks forward to graduating at the end of summer 2026 and continuing to teach at USC. “My plan after graduation is to continue teaching at USC, with the hope of one day joining the faculty,” she says. “I genuinely love watching students grow and reach their goals of becoming nurses.”

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