Blooming into Excellence: How experienced teammates are helping new nurses grow their careers at Rop

As Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital prepares to double in size, the team that makes the hospital so special is growing just as quickly. 

With many new faces coming on board, our experienced teammates are stepping up in big ways — mentoring, guiding and supporting their new peers while continuing to manage the demands of providing high-quality care every day. 

A new series of blog posts by Roper St. Francis Healthcare, titled Blooming into Excellence, highlights moments of partnership between new teammates and preceptors, who are experienced clinicians responsible for teaching newcomers on the job. The relationships between new nurses and preceptors foster a culture of learning, leadership and compassionate care that continues to strengthen our growing Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital team. 

First, meet Konasha Nix, RN. 

New to the team, Nix shared how impactful her experience has been working alongside her preceptor, Jillian Price, BSN, RN. 

"I've learned a lot,” Nix said. “She takes her time with me and shows me the ropes. I feel comfortable asking questions. She creates that kind of supportive environment." 

Nix remembers her first interaction with Price. 

"She welcomed me with open arms," Nix explained. "That meant so much because you don't always get that warm welcome from nurses who've been around for a long time. It made me feel at ease from Day 1." 

Price began her nursing career in March 2021 and joined the team at Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital the following April. She thrives in the fast-paced world of emergency nursing. 

"You never know what you're going to see," she said. "You become a jack of all trades. Every day brings something new, and I love that." 

Price is passionate about working with new nurses and finds joy in watching their growth. 

"I adore watching the progression — seeing them move from nursing students to professionals who trust their own abilities. It's so rewarding to witness that transformation in real time," she said. "Every week, you can see them grow and take on more responsibility." 

When asked what advice she gives new nurses, Price said: "Be confident in what you don't know. It's OK to say, 'I don't know that,' as long as you know how to find the answer. A nurse who understands their limitations is a safe and effective nurse." 

Roper St. Francis Healthcare prides itself in a transparent safety culture that empowers teammates to speak up to ensure patient safety. 

Price praised Nix's eagerness to learn. 

"She asks the right questions,” Price said. “Even if it isn't her patient, she wants to learn everything that she can!" 

Kathaleen Osteritter, nursing excellence program manager at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, has observed the pair's partnership firsthand. 

"I watched them work together before entering a patient room," Osteritter recalled. "Konasha reviewed each step of her assessment, and Jillian was right there to support her." 

Price goes beyond technical training, guiding new nurses to think critically. 

"She asks the right question: what concerns to watch for, what medications or tests to expect, how pathology plays out," Osteritter said. "It's mentorship that builds both skill and confidence." 

If you or someone you know is interested in starting or growing a career with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, visit RSFH.com/careers to explore openings at Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital and throughout our award-winning, growing healthcare system. Roper St. Francis Healthcare has been committed to delivering compassionate and high-quality care to the Charleston region since 1856 and is a certified Great Place to Work.