Building the region’s nursing workforce—one accelerated graduate at a time

A drive to excel  

One morning on the University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee campus, Sarah Lapton sat down at a table of strangers to begin orientation for the Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Coming from a business and marketing background, she didn’t yet know anyone in the room. Four semesters later, she is not only graduating with her BSN, she also has new friends with whom she will continue this nursing journey.

Designed for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees, the BSN program offers a fast, rigorous pathway into a high-demand profession. Lapton admits that the pace and intensity of the program can sometimes be challenging and there were moments when she doubted her abilities. “When I had unwanted thoughts or anxiety,” said Lapton, “I focused on the present. Remember why you are doing this — even if you have to put it on a sticky note and read it every day.”

Lapton received additional support though her acceptance into the first cohort of the PAM Health Living Community. This scholarship was funded by a gift from PAM Health, a national healthcare company with hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, which provided students connections, focus and support through on-campus housing, clinical training and professional development throughout the program.

“I never felt like I knew what I was meant to do in life, until I decided on nursing.” - Sarah Lapton 

Beyond the high-quality education and impactful experiences, Lapton is grateful for the connections she made while studying at USF. She values relationships and intentionally scheduled meetings with her professors and took the time to get to know the people at clinicals. Some of her most memorable moments over the last 16 months of courses revolve around her new friendships. She fondly recalls loudly singing Disney Channel songs with her friends to stay alert on the way home from a late-night clinical, and horseback riding on the beach during a USF led event. “We have been through a lot together with exams, group projects, mishaps, studying, being overwhelmed, and clinicals,” said Lapton, “but we always have each other.”

Despite the fast pace, the program exposes students to an array of career paths in nursing. Lapton is thoughtfully exploring all of the options in this diverse field. “I want my path to be what's meant for me,” said Lapton. “I strongly believe if you keep an open mind and heart, then what is meant to be will happen.”  

This blend of academic rigor, professional preparation and personal support is a hallmark of the Sarasota-Manatee campus—empowering students like Sarah to graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to the region’s healthcare landscape. 

A legacy of compassion 

With only 32 beds, Sarasota Memorial opened their first hospital on November 2, 1925. During that momentous occasion over 100 years ago, The Sarasota Herald wrote, “the dream of many made possible by the intensive efforts of a few and the generosity of all.” This dream continues to promote compassion in our community.  

As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) completes a century of caring, the University of South Florida (USF) celebrates 70 years of academic excellence. Since their beginnings, both institutions have advanced innovation while maintaining deep commitments to the community. These shared values have formed a natural connection between the two organizations, with many USF nursing students applying their education and training to launch careers at SMH.  

Lale Citak, a mother of three young boys, who completed USF’s BSN program in May 2024, now works as a registered nurse on the Neuro Med-Surg unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She credits the program’s intensity with building resilience, time management and the ability to thrive under pressure. “USF gave me a strong clinical foundation, critical thinking skills and confidence that I carry into my practice every day,” said Citak.  

Knowing that my presence, knowledge and compassion can provide comfort and healing is incredibly rewarding.

Lale Citak

Citak has a passion for nursing and is honored to connect with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives to make a meaningful difference. This calling has led her to return to USF to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner. For Citak, her return to studying at USF reinforces evidence-based practice with compassionate, patient-centered care.  

While balancing work, graduate studies and raising a family, Citak provides heartfelt guidance for current nursing students. “Believe in yourself, even on the hardest days,” says Citak. “Nursing school is challenging, but it is absolutely achievable.” Like Lapton, she encourages students to lean on their support systems, ask for help and stay grounded in their “why.”