AU nursing graduate looks to encourage others into the field

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A nursing shortage is hitting everywhere across the United States.

By 2035, Georgia is expected to have a 21% shortage of ed nurses.

Right now, only 10% of ed nurses identify as Black, and 9% of the total nursing population identify as male.

Now, one Augusta University graduate is looking to become a role model to get more Black males into the field.

“I’m here to be the light to other guys looking to go into the healthcare system because I noticed not a lot of us going into the nursing but I want to be inspiring to other males that look like me,” said Luke Anderson.

Anderson was the student speaker for the AU’s afternoon commencement ceremony, sharing how he couldn’t have been here today without the of his two parents.

His mom says she is grateful to see her son graduate.

“My heart is so full of joy,” said Daphanie Harper, Anderson’s mom.

She battled breast cancer twice.

“(The doctor said) Daphanie you can beat it or you can die, and I chose to live. So I’m standing here,” said Harper.

Through her treatment and battle, Anderson says one thing that stuck out to him was how caring the nurses were and how they were able to remain positive while saving his mom’s life. He says seeing that is what started his journey to have a cap and gown.

“Being a blessing to somebody else because you never know what somebody else is going through,” said Anderson. “So, having the capacity to do that for other people that are in need is just truly heartwarming to know because, at the end of the day, nursing is we’re here to serve and be the light to other people.”

Anderson will begin his nursing career working in the emergency ICU at the Piedmont Hospital System.

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